Oldest Print of First Korean Novel "Kumoshinhwa" Found

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Oldest Print of First Korean Novel "Kumoshinhwa" Found

The oldest printed version of 'Kumoshinhwa', the first Korean novel written by Kim Si-sup (1434-1493) in Chinese, has been found in China. The book, which was re-printed with a wooden press from the original metalblock, has been found to have been printed before Japan's invasion of Korea in 1592.
As a result of the discovery of the book, the theory which insists that 'Kumoshinhwa' was printed solely in Japan has been invalidated.
A Korea University professor, Choi Yong-chul, unveiled on September 21 photos and a facsimile of the book, which is owned by a library in China.
Experts such as a Sung Kyun Kwan University professor, Lim Hyung-taek, and a Soon Chun Hyang University professor, Park Hyun-kyu, have concluded after investigation that this book is the oldest woodblock printed version of 'Kumoshinhwa'.
So far, only transcribed books have been found in Korea, while 3 printed books were found in Japan.
Kang Joo-an : jooan@joongang.co.kr
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