1633 Veterinary Text Reflecting Jeju State Ranch History Donated to National Library of Korea

Donation of 66 Ancient Books from Changdeok Girls' High School, Including "New Compilation of Acupuncture and Veterinary Medicine"

Research and Public Release of Documentary Heritage Discovered through Public-Private Cooperation

A total of 66 rare ancient books from the Joseon Dynasty, which were discovered by chance in the lounge of Changdeok Girls' High School, have been donated to the National Library of Korea.

Changdeok Girls' High School donated the 'Shinpyeonjip Seongmaui Banguui Bang' to the National Library of Korea. This is a specialized veterinary book on horses and cattle, published as a woodblock print in Jeju in 1633. It is a rare historical document showcasing the state-run ranches of Jeju and veterinary medicine during the Joseon Dynasty. National Library of Korea

On September 10, the National Library of Korea announced that it had received a donation of 66 volumes of 59 types of ancient books from Changdeok Girls' High School, including "Dongguk Munheonrok" and "New Compilation of Acupuncture and Veterinary Medicine." The donation ceremony was held the day before at the Changdeok Girls' High School library.

The most notable among the donated materials is the "New Compilation of Acupuncture and Veterinary Medicine." It is a specialized veterinary medical text on horses and cattle, compiled alongside "Hyangyak Jae Saeng Jip Seong Bang," a medical book for treating people from the early Joseon period. Because it covers the diseases and treatments of horses and cattle—key assets managed by the state at the time—it is considered a valuable resource for studying livestock and veterinary medicine in Joseon-era Korea.

The edition donated by Changdeok Girls' High School is a woodblock-printed copy published in Jeju in 1633, the 11th year of King Injo's reign. It reflects the historical context when large-scale state-run ranches operated in Jeju, and, as a practical manual designed also for civilian use, it is regarded as highly valuable. Only a few extant copies remain in Korea, making it a rare antique book.

The ancient texts were accidentally discovered in Changdeok Girls' High School's lounge in April 2023. After the school requested assistance, the National Library of Korea supported the organization and cataloging of the materials through its "Domestic Ancient Book Organization Support Project for Private and Public Institutions," and later released the information through the Korea Comprehensive Catalog of Ancient Books.

In August, Changdeok Girls' High School expressed its intention to donate the materials to the National Library of Korea for more systematic preservation and use. The National Library of Korea plans to preserve these donated materials and make them available for in-depth research as well as public use in the future.

Hyewon Hyun, head of the Ancient Books Division at the National Library of Korea, stated, "We will ensure the safe preservation of the donated ancient texts and conduct in-depth research so that all citizens can benefit from their historical and academic value."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.