# Jikji

> world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type

**Wikidata**: [Q494611](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q494611)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jikji)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jikji

## Summary
Jikji is the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type. Published in July 1377, this historical literary work originates from the region that is now South Korea. It serves as a written work read for enjoyment or edification, chronicling essential Buddhist teachings.

## Key Facts
- Jikji is globally recognized as the world's oldest surviving book printed with movable metal type.
- The publication date and inception of the book are recorded as July 1377.
- The work is formally classified as a literary work read for enjoyment or edification.
- It originates from South Korea, a country in East Asia.
- The book is known by multiple aliases, including "Jikji simche yojeol," "Jikjisimcheyojeol," and "Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters."
- Its full formal alias is "Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol" (vol.II).
- It is specifically identified as the second volume of the "Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings."
- UNESCO established the "Jikji Memory of the World Prize" in 2004 to promote the objectives of the Memory of the World Programme.
- The Wikipedia title for the entity is "Jikji" and it is connected to 33 sitelinks.

## FAQs
**What is Jikji?**
It is a literary work recognized as the earliest surviving book printed using movable metal type. The text was published in July 1377 and serves as an anthology of Zen teachings.

**What are the alternative names for Jikji?**
The artifact is known by several names, including "Jikji simche yojeol," "Jikjisimcheyojeol," and "Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters." Officially, it is also titled "Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol" and serves as the second volume of the "Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings."

**Is there an award named after this book?**
Yes, UNESCO created the Jikji Memory of the World Prize in 2004. This award was established to promote the goals of the Memory of the World Programme.

**Where does Jikji originate from?**
The book traces its origins to the geographical area of modern-day South Korea in East Asia. South Korea itself was formally established much later on August 15, 1948.

## Why It Matters
Jikji represents a monumental leap in the history of human communication and printing technology. By proving the successful use of movable metal type in 1377, it fundamentally shifts the global timeline of mechanical printing well before similar systems appeared elsewhere. Its survival provides undeniable physical evidence of early typographic innovation in East Asia. The cultural importance of this artifact is so profound that UNESCO named a major international heritage award after it, cementing its role as a cornerstone in the preservation of global documentary history.

## Notable For
- Holding the historical record as the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type.
- Bearing a highly precise inception date of July 1377.
- Inspiring the creation of the UNESCO Jikji Memory of the World Prize in 2004.
- Existing as the second volume of the Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings.

## Body

### Identity and Alternate Names
Jikji is a historical literary work designed to be read for enjoyment and edification. The text is widely recognized by several aliases, such as "Jikji simche yojeol," "Jikjisimcheyojeol," and the English translation "Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Seon Masters." It is explicitly identified as the second volume of the "Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings," formally bearing the name "Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol (vol.II)." 

### Historical Context and Origin
The inception and publication of Jikji are dated to July 1377. The artifact originates from the region known today as South Korea, a country located in East Asia. While the book dates back to the 14th century, the modern nation of South Korea was officially established on August 15, 1948. The establishment of the modern state succeeded the United States Army Military Government in Korea and the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. 

### UNESCO Recognition and Legacy
The global significance of the book is highlighted by its direct association with a major international award. In 2004, UNESCO inceptioned the "Jikji Memory of the World Prize." This award was specifically created to promote the objectives of the Memory of the World Programme. The prize leverages the historical legacy of the 1377 metal type book to champion the preservation of global documentary heritage.

### Digital Footprint and Classification
In modern digital knowledge bases, Jikni is categorized under the class of "literary work." The entity possesses a Wikipedia title exactly matching "Jikji" and is tracked across 33 sitelinks. Broader classifications referencing its status as a literary work are supported by 20 sitelinks, while its associated UNESCO prize is tracked across 3 sitelinks.

## References

1. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture
2. [Source](https://www.unesco.org/en/memory-world/baegun-hwasang-chorok-buljo-jikji-simche-yojeol-volii-second-volume-anthology-great-buddhist-priests)
3. [Source](https://media.unesco.org/sites/default/files/webform/mow001/korea_buljo_jikj_simch_yo_jeol.pdf)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-invention-of-movable-metal-type-goryeo-technology-and-wisdom-cheongju-early-printing-museum/zgXxwilonG6kIg?hl=en)