Ilseongnok (Daily Records of the Royal Court and Important Officials)

Reading the Analects, Jeongjo was struck by Zengzi's line about examining himself daily on three counts, and as crown prince began keeping a diary of his own conduct and study. He carried on after taking the throne in 1776. The business of government soon outgrew what one man could write down. From 1783 the officials of the Gyujanggak wrote it instead, focusing on affairs of state and submitting the draft to the king every five days for approval. At that point a private journal became a public record, which is a transformation with no obvious parallel. It runs from 1760 to 1910 — 151 years, day by day, through the end of the dynasty. The form it now has was settled around 1785, when Jeongjo had the Gyujanggak go back and compile the years before his reign as well.

Original Text

Where it is

Region

Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Designation

National Treasure · 국보