By whom and when the Hungdeok was
established is unknown. Furthermore, there are no records to
clarify its history or vestige. The scale of the temple has
been confirmed roughly through the excavation, but the reason
it was lost by fire is still unknown. The old Hungdeok
temple's site; 866, Eunchon-dong, Cheongju is currently named
historical site no. 315 and the main building is restored in
the size of 80§³(24pyung) on 40,990§³ of the site and it is
managed by the Chongju Early Printing Museum. The main
reason Hungdeok temple got the spotlight was Jikji. Hungdeok
temple is known as the place that published Jikji which is a
world registered legacy and the world's oldest metal type
printed book, and Jabidoryangchambobjibhe in 1377(3rd year of
king Uh reign). Jikji was published by Hungdeok temple and
registered as UNESCO's 'Memory of the World' as the world's
earliest metal type printed book. This fact will make the
world remember Hundeok temple as the cradle of Jikji. That is
to say the reputation of Jikji, is equivalent to the
reputation of Hungdeok temple and vice versa. As we
enhance our knowledge of Korea's early printing and develop
insight toward world's cultural art, Jikji and Hungdeok
temple's metal type printing will be known all around the
world.
.gif){kind=spacer}
Hungdeok Temple and
Jikji
