Manama: A replica of “Jikji,” the world’s oldest existing book to be printed using movable metal types, was among valuable collections donated by the Korean embassy to Qatar National Library (QNL).
The Jikji, also known as “Buljo Jikji simche yojeol,” was printed during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1377. The book was accepted as Unesco World Record Inheritance and was recorded as a “Memory of the World” for its outstanding value in September 2001.
The donations, made by Chung Keejong, the Korean ambassador to Qatar, during a visit to QNL’s Heritage Collection Building, are part of the embassy’s efforts to promote cultural relations with Qatar.
Dr Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library, said QNL sought to bridge cultures with knowledge and expressed appreciation for the generous donation; the latest addition to the library’s collection.
The donated books include “A Concise History of Modern Korea from the Late Nineteenth Century to 2010” and “Masterpieces of Korean Art”.
Speaking about the donation, Chung Keejong, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar, said: “I am very pleased and honoured to make this donation of books,” the ambassador said. “This year is the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Qatar and Korea, and I hope that cultural cooperation between the two countries enhances further. The donation of these books will hopefully provide a chance to introduce the Korean culture to Qatari citizens and help enhance their understanding of Korea,” the diplomat said.
