@article{ART003393981},
author={Choi, Kyong-Hwan},
title={The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance},
journal={The Review of Korean History},
issn={1225-133X},
year={2026},
number={163},
pages={141-182}
TY - JOUR
AU - Choi, Kyong-Hwan
TI - The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance
JO - The Review of Korean History
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 163
PB - The Historical Society Of Korea
SP - 141
EP - 182
SN - 1225-133X
AB - This study examines Buddhist publishing under King Sejo and the historical significance of the Gangyeongdogam (Directorate for Buddhist Text Publication) in relation to Goryeo Buddhist textual traditions. Buddhist publishing under Sejo expanded from the publication and transcription of individual texts to the large-scale printing of the Goryeo Tripitaka. With the establishment of the Gangyeongdogam in 1461, these activities developed into a systematic state-sponsored project of collation, translation, and publication.
The Chinese-language works published by the Gangyeongdogam consisted mainly of commentaries, many of which were related to works recorded in Uicheon’s Sinpyeon Jejong Gyojang Chongnok. This indicates continuity with the Goryeo Gyojang tradition. However, rather than restoring the Gyojang in its entirety, the Gangyeongdogam selectively reorganized and published Buddhist texts considered necessary in the religious environment of early Joseon.
The Gangyeongdogam also translated major Buddhist scriptures from Classical Chinese into Korean using Hunminjeongeum. The king, royal family members, scholar-officials, and Buddhist monks collaborated in the processes of translation, collation, and publication. These vernacular editions broadened access to Buddhist scriptures among monks and lay believers with limited proficiency in Classical Chinese.
In conclusion, the Gangyeongdogam selectively inherited and reorganized Goryeo Buddhist textual traditions while promoting both Chinese-language publication and vernacular translation as a state-sponsored project. Although the institution was abolished in 1471, its activities contributed to the transmission of Buddhist texts and learning from Goryeo to Joseon and broadened access to Buddhist scriptures through vernacular translation.
KW - King Sejo;Gangyeongdogam;Tripitaka Koreana;Goryeo Gyojang;Korean Vernacular Buddhist Texts
DO -
UR -
ER -
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. (2026). The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance. The Review of Korean History, 163, 141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. 2026, "The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance", The Review of Korean History, no.163, pp.141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan "The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance" The Review of Korean History 163 pp.141-182 (2026) : 141.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance. 2026; 163 : 141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. "The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance" The Review of Korean History no.163(2026) : 141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance. The Review of Korean History, 163, 141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance. The Review of Korean History. 2026; 163 141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance. 2026; 163 : 141-182.
Choi, Kyong-Hwan. "The Publication of Buddhist Texts by the Gangyeongdogam during the Reign of King Sejo and Its Historical Significance" The Review of Korean History no.163(2026) : 141-182.
