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UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize

The Prize promote the objectives of the Memory of the World Programme
UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize
Digital Jikji
© Bibliothèque nationale
de France

In April 2004 UNESCO’s Executive Board approved the establishment of a Memory of the World Prize to further promote the objectives of the Memory of the World Programme and to commemorate the inscription of the Jikji, the oldest known book of movable metal print in the world on the Memory of the World Register. It aims also to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage as a common heritage of humanity.
The Prize consisting of an award of US$ 30,000 is awarded every two years to individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage. The award itself and the operating costs of the Prize as well as all costs related to the award ceremony are funded by the Republic of Korea.

The Memory of the World Register lists documentary heritage that has been identified by the International Advisory Committee as corresponding to the selection criteria for world significance and endorsed by the Director-General.

Today 193 documentary items including the "Buljo jikji simche yojeol", also called Jikji, are inscribed on the Register.

The Jikji contains the essentials of Zen Buddhism compiled by priest Baegun in late Goryeo period. The book was printed in two volumes, the first of which yet to be located. The second volume is kept in the Bibliothèque nationale of France.
http://www.unesco.org/webworld/en/jikji