Every year on Hangeul Day, the issue of the Hunminjeongeum Sangjubon arises.
I am going to post about this. The Sangjubon is worth more than 1 trillion won,
Hunminjeongeum Sangjubon 100 billion dollars”… The cultural property hostage drama has been happening for 14 years.
The owner, Bae Ik-gi, has been repeating his previous position since 2011, and the National Heritage Administration is taking strong legal action.
The Hunminjeongeum Sangju version is a national treasure of Korea and holds a significant place in the history of Korean script. Hunminjeongeum, a book containing the original text of Hangul, was created by King Sejong the Great in 1443 to provide the Korean people with a script that was easier to read and write compared to Chinese characters. This Sangju version of the text differs from other known editions, sparking great interest in academic and cultural circles for its unique characteristics.
The Hunminjeongeum Haerye edition, which explains the principles and usage of Hangul, is a critical document that outlines the foundation of the Korean script. The Sangju version was discovered in 2008 in an old house in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and is considered a rare and invaluable artifact. However, issues surrounding its ownership and public accessibility have made it a topic of considerable controversy.
Discovery of the Sangju Version and Its Significance
The Hunminjeongeum Sangju version was discovered in 2008 in an old house in Sangju, with some damage to its condition. Before this discovery, scholars believed that only two or three copies of the Hunminjeongeum Haerye existed. The most famous of these is National Treasure No. 70, which was printed in 1446 and is currently housed at the Kansong Art Museum in Seoul.
When compared to other versions, the Sangju edition exhibits several differences, including variations in calligraphy and font style, requiring further analysis. Its discovery marked a new chapter in Hunminjeongeum studies, and its preservation and content offer numerous insights for future research on the history of Hangul and Korean culture.
Ownership Controversy Surrounding the Sangju Version
In addition to its cultural importance, the ownership of the Hunminjeongeum Sangju version has been a subject of heated debate. The individual who owned the Sangju edition at the time of its discovery did not wish to donate it to the Cultural Heritage Administration and asserted personal ownership over the artifact. This led to legal disputes over who should properly manage and preserve the text, with debates continuing over whether it should be controlled by private individuals or made part of the national cultural heritage.
The state has attempted to designate the Sangju version as cultural property and claim it as national property, but the private owner has resisted, insisting that he bears the responsibility for preserving and studying the artifact. This ownership dispute has yet to be resolved, and discussions about the balance between the public interest in cultural artifacts and individual property rights are ongoing.
Academic Value of the Sangju Version
The Hunminjeongeum Sangju version is distinguished from other Haerye editions by several features in both content and format. It provides unique insights into the early use and interpretation of Hangul, particularly with its explanations of the principles behind its creation. Scholars believe that the Sangju version may have been printed slightly earlier than other known versions, making it a key document for understanding the writing systems and educational practices of early Joseon Korea.
The discovery of the Sangju version has allowed for a reevaluation of the history of Hangul’s creation, providing opportunities to uncover previously unknown details about the script’s development. As such, the Sangju edition is considered more than just an artifact; it holds immense academic value for linguists, historians, and scholars studying Korean culture.
Preservation and Management of the Sangju Version
Currently, the Sangju version of the Hunminjeongeum is not adequately protected due to the ongoing ownership dispute. This raises concerns about the potential damage or loss of such a valuable cultural asset. From a cultural heritage preservation standpoint, it is crucial that artifacts like the Hunminjeongeum are managed and protected properly. As a shared national and cultural asset, it is essential that the Sangju version receives systematic preservation and care at the state level.
However, without the owner’s willingness to donate or sell the artifact to the state, the government’s involvement is limited. The Cultural Heritage Administration has been engaging in ongoing negotiations over the Sangju version’s preservation and management, but no conclusive solutions have yet been reached.
Modern Relevance of the Sangju Version
The Hunminjeongeum Sangju version holds importance not only as a cultural relic but also as a symbol of Korean identity, history, and linguistic development. Continued preservation and study of this document can shed further light on the origins of Hangul, its creation, and the educational systems of the Joseon Dynasty. King Sejong and his scholars at the Hall of Worthies created Hunminjeongeum to provide an easier writing system for the people, and the Sangju version serves as a vivid testament to this progressive vision, which resonates in contemporary Korean society.
In modern times, Hangul is recognized as one of Korea’s most significant cultural assets, known globally for its unique and scientific structure. Hunminjeongeum, as registered in UNESCO’s Memory of the World, continues to receive international acclaim, symbolizing Korea’s cultural prominence. The discovery and preservation of the Sangju version provide an opportunity to further our understanding of the creation process of Hangul and to share its foundational principles and philosophy with the world.
The Sangju version reminds us that Hangul is more than just a writing system; it was a revolutionary innovation in the Joseon Dynasty, influenced by political, social, and cultural factors. Its message is still relevant today, emphasizing that language is not only a tool for communication but also a social mechanism that can break down barriers between classes and promote social equality. This lesson holds profound implications for modern language education and language policy.
Strategic Plans for Preservation and Exhibition of the Sangju Version
If the ownership dispute surrounding the Hunminjeongeum Sangju version is resolved, the most pressing task will be determining how to preserve this cultural treasure effectively and raise public awareness of its significance. Some experts argue that the Sangju version should be stored in a facility equipped with advanced preservation technologies. This would prevent further deterioration and ensure the long-term protection of the document.
There is also some debate regarding whether the Sangju version should be publicly displayed. While some argue that its scholarly value requires prioritizing research and conservation over public exhibition, others believe that the document should be made accessible to the public with appropriate contextualization. Striking a balance between academic study and public accessibility is key to the future of Hunminjeongeum research and cultural heritage preservation.
If exhibited, the Sangju version should be presented in a way that educates the public about the historical and cultural background of Hunminjeongeum. A thoughtful exhibition would not only showcase the document but also provide a comprehensive understanding of how Hangul came to shape the Korean language and culture today. This would allow the public to appreciate not only the physical artifact but also the broader historical and philosophical significance of Hunminjeongeum.
Further Research on the Hunminjeongeum Sangju Version
There are numerous potential research topics that could arise from the discovery of the Sangju version. One critical area for future study would be comparative research between the Sangju version and other Haerye versions to analyze their differences and similarities. This could lead to a deeper understanding of early Joseon language policies and the ways in which scripts were used during that time. Since Hunminjeongeum carries significance beyond its function as a writing system, research into its scientific basis and social implications is crucial.
Additionally, the Sangju version’s discovery has raised several new academic questions that await answers. For example, researchers are eager to examine how the Sangju version differs from other editions and how these differences may have influenced the historical development of Hangul. Further exploration of the printing techniques used for the Sangju version and the political and cultural context surrounding Hunminjeongeum’s creation would also be important avenues of study.
Conclusion
The Hunminjeongeum Sangju version is a vital artifact representing the history of Korean writing and cultural heritage. Its discovery, preservation, and study contribute significantly to our understanding of the creation and evolution of Hangul. While the ongoing ownership dispute and concerns over the artifact’s preservation persist, efforts must continue to ensure that this valuable cultural asset is properly conserved and researched. By recognizing the academic and cultural importance of the Sangju version, Korea can continue to honor the legacy of Hunminjeongeum and contribute to the global appreciation of Hangul.