Tales of the Royal Library 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Joseon Dynasty

Ruling Korea for over five hundred years, the Joseon Dynasty was founded by Yi Seonggye in 1392. Known as the "hermit kingdom" due to isolationist policies formulated after the invasions by both the Japanese (1592-98) and the Manchus from China (1636), the Joseon Dynasty brought Korea to an age of advancement in culture, science, and technology.

In 1897 the kingdom was renamed the Korean Empire, however, much of what is thought to be modern Korean culture originated with the Joseon Dynasty.

Answer: Seoul

Interestingly, the Changdeokgung Palace was burned to the ground twice - in 1592 and 1636; it was rebuilt and continued to be, however, one of the favorite residences of the rulers, who made every attempt to rebuild the structure according to the original plans.

It contained government areas, such as official meeting rooms and offices for government officials, as well as private areas for the royal family. Today is occupies 110 acres in the city of Seoul, and is named Historical Site No. 122.

Answer: Calligraphy

All of the choices listed are traditional forms of Korean art. However, the Kyujanggak was named for the works of calligraphy that were stored there, called the the "kyujang", or the "writings of Kyu". Kyu was a god taken from Chinese mythology, who was the god of examinations and also was the servant of the god of literature, Wen Chang. Eventually the term was associated with the writings of the king, who was believed to have been divinely inspired.

Answer: King Jeongjo

The 22nd ruler of his dynasty, King Jeongjo is considered by some to be a visionary, as he attempted to bring about important reforms in his kingdom. Jeongjo became king in 1776, after the death of his grandfather, and continued a period of reform that is commonly known as the second Korean Renaissance. Founding the Royal Library in the same year, he hoped to improve both the cultural and political position of his dynasty.

Answer: Preserve royal genealogies

The Kyujanggak, as a royal library, was built to house not only the writings of the dynasty, but also as a way to preserve the royal genealogy. In fact, there were so many artifacts to house in the Royal Library, that just six years later, the Outer Kyujanggak Library, which was called the Oegyujanggak, was built on Ganghwa-do Island in an ancient royal palace to take care of the overflow of materials.

When the kingdom was renamed the Korean Empire in 1897, kings from the Joseon Dynasty continued to rule until 1910, when the kingdom was annexed by Japan.

There are still, however, descendants of the dynasty living today. As can be imagined, a genealogy of people over such a long period of time is very lengthy!

Answer: True

The king was very interested in attracting scholars who might become important government officials to the Royal Library for study. He also eased the restrictions that had previously limited the social class from which government officials were recruited.

A king who hopes to receive advice from learned individuals? What an enlightened ruler he must have been! The king died in 1800, however, under mysterious circumstances, the cause of speculation to this day; his son, however, continued many of his reforms.

Answer: Confucianism

Although Buddhism played a role in the government of the Joseon Dynasty, Confucianism was its main philosophy. This is evident in the desire of the king to be advised by scholar-officials. This class, which was called Yangban at the time, was comprised of civil servants, as well as military officers.

The civil servants had to pass an examination that mostly covered Confucian classics and history; many times the job was passed down through the family. Although anyone could take the tests, it was a difficult feat for commoners to do so, as years of study were required.

Answer: Sillok

Known as the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty", or The True Record of the Joseon Dynasty", the annals are also called "sillok". The "sillok" is very significant, as it is believed to be the longest continued account of one ruling dynasty in the history of the world! Today the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty" is considered to be the 151st national treasure of Korea.

By the way, the "won" is South Korean currency, "kimchi" is a staple Korean food dish, and the "hanbok" is a traditional style of Korean clothing.

Answer: No one, not even the king, was allowed to read the annals.

The method of recording the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty" made it extremely important for the king to choose neutral scholars who not only could be trusted to give an impartial history, but who could also be trusted to not tell anyone what was recorded. Daily accounts, supposedly every word and every act of the king, were first written in the "Sacho", or "Draft History", and then permanently recorded in an abbreviated version. Any scholar who divulged information from the "Annals" was beheaded. Even though the king was not allowed to read the information recorded, there is one instance on record where King Yeonsangun read the "Annals" in 1498 and had six people executed for what had been written about him.

Answer: True

There are an amazing 1,893 volumes of the annals in existence today. In spite of the burning, looting, and false accounts that were written, copies of the collection have been painstakingly produced and kept intact. Since 2006 a project has been underway to translate the original text of the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty" into Classical Chinese and a modern Korean version.

In 2012, plans were announced to translate the documents into English by 2033.