Academy of Korean Studies Archives of Old Korean Documents: Joseon Royal Records Online

Overview

The Jangseogak Archives, formally known as the Archives of Old Korean Documents, is the royal archival collection of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) in Seongnam, South Korea. It is one of Korea's most significant repositories of pre-modern historical manuscripts, royal documents, and classical Korean literature, with roots tracing back to the Joseon royal court library system.

History and Founding

The Jangseogak Archives' collections originate in the Joseon royal library and archival tradition. In 1908, Emperor Gojong relocated materials from the Gyujanggak (Joseon Royal Archives) and other royal institutions to the Insugwan (Hall of Benevolence and Prosperity) in an effort to consolidate imperial library functions. After the fall of the Joseon dynasty and through the periods of Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945) and the Korean War (1950–1953), the collections narrowly survived potential destruction and dispersal. The archive is now administered by the Academy of Korean Studies, established in 1978, and has grown into Korea's leading institution for the collection and research of historical Korean literary materials.

Collections and Holdings

The Jangseogak Archives holds approximately 120,000 books once kept in the royal palaces of Joseon and approximately 180,000 pieces of historical records gathered from across the country. The collection includes invaluable primary sources such as original editions of the Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) and various Uigwe (Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty), both recognised under UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme. Holdings encompass pre-modern manuscripts, government documents, and literati writings from the Chosŏn period (1392–1910).

Notable Materials and Research Value

The Jangseogak Archives is a premier resource for researchers studying Korean classical literature, royal protocols, administrative history, and traditional medicine. The last volume of the seminal history of Afghanistan Siraj al-Tawarikh was recovered here, along with countless documents from scholar-official families collected from across the country. Staff conduct ongoing research, annotation, and database construction related to royal and aristocratic documents.

Access and Usage

Digital images of the Jangseogak collections are accessible online, providing international scholars with access without membership requirements. The Archives also conducts annual summer schools for early-stage researchers in Korean studies, training participants in the translation of selected Chosŏn dynasty documents. Physical materials can be consulted on-site at the AKS campus in Seongnam.