Ancient texts looted by France are home at last

Published April 20, 2011 |

Korea’s ancient royal protocols have returned home. Ancient texts looted by France are home at last

Plundered by the French military 145 years ago, and the object of two decades of diplomatic wrangling between Paris and Seoul, 75 of 297 manuscripts arrived at Incheon International Airport yesterday and were delivered to the National Museum of Korea.

They were transported in five specially made crates that controlled temperature and humidity. The other books will come in three shipments through May 27.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choung Byoung-gug welcomed the Oegyujanggak manuscripts at the museum. When asked about the fact that the manuscripts are technically being “leased” to their homeland, and that the lease has to be renewed every five years, Choung told reporters, “Regardless of the words used in returning the books, it is practically a permanent redemption.”

Story by Lee Sun-min

Chris Rivait

Chris loves history and hopes that Yesteeyear becomes a place where everyone can share their history knowledge. Chris owns an Internet Marketing company, Arrivait Marketing. He has a wonderful wife and four great children.