Jikji Early Printing Museum

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The Jikji Early Printing Museum, located in Cheongju, South Korea, is dedicated to the history of Korean printing and the remarkable achievement of Jikji, the world’s oldest surviving book printed with movable metal type.

Printed in 1377 during the Goryeo Dynasty, Jikji predates Gutenberg’s Bible by nearly 80 years, making it a significant milestone in the history of printing and human knowledge.

This museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, book lovers, and anyone interested in Korea’s contributions to global culture and technology.

Why Visit the Jikji Early Printing Museum?

The Jikji Early Printing Museum offers a fascinating look into the origins of printing, Korea’s pioneering role in developing metal type, and the cultural heritage surrounding Jikji, which was printed at Heungdeoksa Temple in Cheongju.

The museum not only highlights Jikji itself but also explores the evolution of printing techniques in Korea, showcasing artifacts and replicas of ancient Korean printing presses, woodblocks, and movable type.

Visiting the museum provides a deeper understanding of the technology that revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge worldwide.

Getting to the Jikji Early Printing Museum

Cheongju is accessible from Seoul and other major cities by public transportation:

By KTX Train: From Seoul Station, take a KTX train to Osong Station (about 1 hour). From Osong, you can take a local bus or taxi to the museum.

By Bus: From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Cheongju Express Bus Terminal. The museum is a short bus or taxi ride from the terminal.

By Car: If driving, the museum is well-marked on local maps, and parking is available on-site.

Highlights of the Jikji Early Printing Museum

The Story of Jikji

The museum’s primary focus is the story of Jikji, a Buddhist text printed with movable metal type in 1377, containing teachings of Buddhist Zen masters. The original Jikji is now housed in the National Library of France, but the museum features a detailed replica and offers an in-depth look at its history, cultural significance, and the printing techniques used to produce it.

Exhibits provide insight into why and how Jikji was printed, emphasizing Korea’s advanced technology and dedication to preserving and sharing religious knowledge.

Exhibits on Movable Metal Type

The museum includes displays of movable metal type, showcasing how early Korean printers created and used metal type long before it became widespread in Europe. These exhibits detail the step-by-step process, from casting the metal type to arranging it for printing.

Visitors can see replicas of the metal type pieces used in Jikji’s creation and learn about the unique methods Korean artisans developed to achieve clarity and efficiency in printing.

Printing Techniques and Artifacts

The museum explores the evolution of printing techniques in Korea, covering early woodblock printing, the transition to movable type, and innovations during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. The displays include woodblocks, presses, and tools used by Korean printers over the centuries.

One of the highlights is a replica of a Joseon-era printing press, where visitors can see firsthand how early printers arranged text and produced printed pages, often with intricate characters and symbols.

Heungdeoksa Temple Site

The museum is located near the Heungdeoksa Temple site, where Jikji was originally printed. The temple no longer exists, but the museum grounds include a small area marking the location, providing historical context to the creation of Jikji.
The site holds a quiet, reverent atmosphere, inviting visitors to reflect on the legacy of Jikji and the dedication of the monks who contributed to its creation.

Interactive Printing Experience

The museum offers an interactive printing experience where visitors can try traditional printing techniques, including woodblock printing and movable type. This hands-on activity allows visitors to appreciate the skills required for early printing and take home a printed souvenir.

The printing experience is fun for all ages and provides a tangible connection to the artistry and craftsmanship involved in early bookmaking.

Multimedia Exhibits and Documentaries

The museum features multimedia exhibits and documentaries that explain the significance of Jikji in the global history of printing, comparing it with other early printed books like the Gutenberg Bible. These films offer context on how Jikji was rediscovered and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness of Korea’s early contributions to printing technology.

Interactive displays and touchscreen exhibits allow visitors to explore Jikji’s text, layout, and historical background in more depth.

Exhibits on Korean Books and Calligraphy

The museum also houses collections of Korean books and calligraphy, highlighting traditional Korean writing styles, Buddhist scriptures, and other historical texts. These exhibits showcase Korea’s rich literary tradition and the cultural importance of books and written records.

Displays on traditional Korean hanji paper (Korean paper made from mulberry trees) explain its unique qualities and durability, which contributed to Korea’s success in producing long-lasting printed works.

Cultural Events and Workshops

The museum often hosts cultural events and workshops that celebrate traditional Korean arts and crafts, including calligraphy and paper-making. Special events may include lectures, temporary exhibits, and educational programs designed for both adults and children, adding to the educational experience.

Check the museum’s schedule in advance to see if any workshops or special events are planned during your visit.

Tips for Visiting the Jikji Early Printing Museum

Admission Fees: Admission is usually around 2,000–3,000 KRW for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, and groups. The printing experience may require a small additional fee.

Best Time to Visit: The museum is open year-round, but weekdays are generally quieter. Visiting during cultural events or exhibitions adds to the experience, so check their schedule beforehand.

Allow Time for Interactive Activities: Plan to spend at least an hour or two to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the interactive printing experience.

Photography Etiquette: Photography is usually allowed in most parts of the museum, but be sure to check for any restricted areas. Flash photography may be prohibited to protect certain artifacts.

Explore Nearby Attractions: Cheongju has other historical and cultural sites, including the Cheongju National Museum and Sangdangsanseong Fortress. Consider combining your visit to the Jikji Early Printing Museum with these nearby sites for a full day of exploration.

Final Thoughts

The Jikji Early Printing Museum offers a fascinating window into Korea’s contribution to the history of printing and the preservation of knowledge.

From learning about Jikji’s creation and significance to trying your hand at traditional printing, a visit to this museum provides a deeper understanding of Korea’s innovative spirit and cultural heritage.

The museum’s combination of history, hands-on activities, and multimedia exhibits makes it engaging for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a bibliophile, or simply curious about Korea’s technological achievements, the Jikji Early Printing Museum is a unique destination that celebrates the enduring power of the printed word.

XOXO,
Katie

In 2009 I traveled did a study abroad immersion trip to South Korea. You can find all the South Korea journal entries here.