I was overwhelmed at first by widespread misinformation about Jikji around the world. I wasn’t sure how much difference I would be able to make as an ordinary university student, not a diplomat or a scholar. However, I mustered up the courage to write and send emails because it would at least bring their attention to misinformation, even if it doesn’t yield results right away. I was also encouraged by other VANK members, who were younger than me but still had taken action and brought change.

 

Through a Google search, I found inaccurate information about Korea’s movable metal type on dkfindout.com, run by a renowned textbook publisher Dorling Kindersley (DK). The website stated that the world’s earliest book printed with movable metal type was Gutenberg’s 42-Line Bible. There was no mention about Jikji, the world’s first movable metal type print, which was printed 78 years earlier than Gutenberg’s Bible. I was concerned that the influential website was misinforming teachers and students around the world about the history of the printing press by omitting Jikji. So, I emailed the website manager.

 

Hello, I am a member of VANK from Korea. I recently visited your website and saw that it provides useful information about history.

 

However, I noticed that it includes some inaccurate information. The website describes the Gutenberg Bible as the world’s oldest book printed with metal letters.

 

I would like to inform you that the world’s oldest extant book printed with movable metal type is Jikji from Korea. Jikji was printed 78 years earlier than the Gutenberg Bible. Please check the fact and provide information about Jikji on your website.

 

A few days later, I received a response.

 

Dear Jieun Ryu,

 

Many thanks for your e-mail.

We will make sure we amend the text as necessary.

 

After another a few days, I saw the change made on the website: “The first book ever printed was made in Korea in 1377.” I was exhilarated! When I saw the change, I realized the power of ordinary people like me in making a difference in history. When sending the email, I actually expected no response. Why would an influential publisher like DK care about anything I say? However, I just wanted to inform them about Jikji.

 

Through VANK activities, I learned that we all can make a difference when we try. The success with DK made a big impact on my life. First of all, I gained an appreciation of Korea’s cultural assets. After graduating from university, I want to contribute to promoting Korea to the world in the fields of diplomacy, international trade, or international cooperation. In particular, I want to promote Korea’s cultural heritage to Russia by using my education in Russian language and literature.