Joseon's Metal Movable Type – The World's First Printing Technology
When we think of revolutionary inventions that changed human history, the printing press often comes to mind. Most Western history books credit Johannes Gutenberg for inventing movable type in the 15th century. However, long before Gutenberg, a remarkable innovation had already taken root in East Asia—metal movable type developed during Korea's Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.
Often overlooked in global narratives, Korea was the first in the world to produce and use movable metal type printing technology, fundamentally reshaping the way knowledge was preserved and shared. Let’s explore the origins, development, and legacy of this extraordinary technological milestone.
1. The Origins: Before Joseon
The Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) already made significant strides in printing. While China had invented woodblock printing earlier, Goryeo craftsmen were the first to develop and use movable metal type.
In 1234, the book Jikji ("Anthology of the Teachings of Buddhist Zen Masters") was printed in Cheongju, Korea. The surviving volume, now housed in the National Library of France, predates Gutenberg’s Bible by over 70 years. This monumental achievement, however, received limited global attention until recent decades.
2. Advancements Under Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) brought metal movable type printing to new heights.
King Taejong, the third king of Joseon, ordered the refinement of metal type casting to improve efficiency and clarity. This led to the invention of:
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"Gyeongjaja" (경자자) type in 1420
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"Gabinja" (갑인자) in 1434, which included standardized shapes and spacing
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State-sponsored printing bureaus such as Gyoseogwan and Gungnaebu
Unlike woodblocks, which wore out easily and required intricate carving, metal movable type allowed reusability and rapid production. Characters were cast individually, arranged by hand, printed, and then reorganized—making this one of the earliest examples of modular printing technology.
3. Why Was It So Groundbreaking?
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Speed: Thousands of pages could be printed much faster than with manual transcription or woodblocks.
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Durability: Metal types lasted far longer than wood, reducing long-term costs.
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Reusability: Individual letters could be rearranged for multiple texts.
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Standardization: Promoted consistent orthography, especially after the invention of Hangul in 1443.
Most significantly, movable metal type printing in Joseon wasn’t just a technical feat—it was a reflection of Confucian governance. The state printed:
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Confucian classics
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Civil service examination texts
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Legal codes and royal edicts
This ensured that education and law were accessible, bolstering the merit-based bureaucracy that defined Joseon’s political philosophy.
4. Hangul and Printing Synergy
In 1443, King Sejong the Great created Hangul, the Korean phonetic script. Just over a decade later, Hangul was printed using movable metal type, allowing for:
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Wider literacy
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Educational materials for commoners
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Documentation of folk songs, agriculture manuals, and more
The synergy between a phonetic alphabet and advanced printing was unprecedented at the time. It helped democratize information centuries before similar changes in Europe.
5. Global Legacy and Recognition
Today, Jikji is recognized by UNESCO as the “Oldest Existing Book Printed with Movable Metal Type” (Memory of the World Register, 2001). Yet, Korea’s contribution to printing is still underrepresented in global discourse.
Recent exhibitions and documentaries have begun highlighting:
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The technological genius behind Korean type casting
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Its influence on East Asian print culture
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The philosophical implications of equal access to knowledge
As the digital age forces us to re-examine how we share information, Korea’s early printing legacy serves as a powerful reminder: technology and culture can align to uplift entire societies.
Q&A
Q1. Did Korea invent printing?
A1. While China invented woodblock printing, Korea was the first to develop and use movable metal type, predating Gutenberg.
Q2. Is the Jikji book still available?
A2. Only the final volume survives and is housed in France’s National Library. Korea has been working to bring it home.
Q3. Was printing used by commoners?
A3. Initially, it was state-controlled for scholars and officials, but after Hangul, printing reached a broader population.
Q4. Why is Korea’s role not widely known?
A4. Colonial history, Western-centric education, and lack of global exposure all contributed. This is slowly changing.
Q5. Can I see original movable type tools?
A5. Yes, museums in Korea, such as the Cheongju Early Printing Museum, display original casting tools and printed texts.
