Jikji facts for kids

Jikji (replica), 1377 - Korean Culture Museum, Incheon Airport, Seoul, South Korea

The Jikji is a very old Korean Buddhist book. Its full name means "Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings". It was printed in 1377 during the Goryeo Dynasty. This makes it the world's oldest book printed using movable metal type.

In 2001, UNESCO officially recognized Jikji as the oldest book printed with metal type. They added it to their Memory of the World list. This list protects important documents from around the world.

The Jikji was printed at Heungdeok Temple. This happened 78 years before Johannes Gutenberg printed his famous "42-Line Bible". Gutenberg's Bible was printed between 1452 and 1455. Most of the Jikji is now lost. Only the last volume still exists today. It is kept safe at the National Library of France in Paris.

Who Wrote the Jikji?

The Jikji was written by a Buddhist monk named Baegun. His Buddhist name was Gyeonghan. He lived from 1298 to 1374. Baegun was a very important priest. He served as the main priest at Anguk and Shingwang temples.

The book was first published in two volumes in 1372. Baegun passed away in 1374 at Chwiam Temple.

What is Inside the Jikji?

The Jikji is a collection of important sayings and writings. These come from famous Buddhist monks from many different times. Gyeonghan put this book together to help students learn about Buddhism.

Buddhism was the main religion in Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). The Jikji served as a guide for those studying the faith.

Images for kids

• 

  Movable type used to print the first known book printed with metal type, the Jikji, in Korea

• 

  Jikji, Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters, the earliest known book printed with movable metal type, 1377. Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris.

See also

In Spanish: Jikji para niños