Jikji's Metal Type Predated Gutenberg

In 1377, more than 70 years before German printer Johannes Gutenberg produced his Bible, Korean printers used movable metal type to print Jikji at Heungdeok Temple in Cheongju. Students of Buddhist monk Baegun produced the two-volume collection of teachings. Only the second volume of the metal-printed edition survives, making Jikji the oldest surviving book printed with movable metal type. The National Library of France holds that volume in Paris.

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