The Korean Cultural Centre UK, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United Kingdom, has launched a groundbreaking documentary series titled 'Korean Treasures in the University of Cambridge.' The special presentation took place on July 28, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
This comprehensive documentary series sheds light on centuries-old Korean cultural heritage preserved within the prestigious University of Cambridge collections. The project was developed through close collaboration with Cambridge University Library and features a pilot episode followed by seven detailed short episodes.
The documentary series highlights several remarkable Korean artifacts and manuscripts, each with its own fascinating history. Among the featured treasures are 'The Tale of Jeong Sujeong' and 'The Tale of General Im,' both acquired by Lucy Nevile, an Anglican missionary who lived in Joseon Korea in 1902. The collection also includes a rare copy of 'The Tale of Jo Ung,' which was donated by William G. Aston, who served as the first British consul general to Korea.
Additionally, the series showcases a handwritten letter by Kim Ok-kyun, a significant historical figure in Korean reform movements, as well as the first Korean edition of 'The Pilgrim's Progress.' The documentary also provides an in-depth look at the Korean Gallery housed within the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Seunghye Sun, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK, emphasized the cultural significance of this project. "On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation, it is such an honor to introduce Korean treasures stored at the University of Cambridge, which has been part of the academic landscape for hundreds of years in the UK," she stated. "These are not just artifacts of the past, but a testament to Korean aesthetics that remain vibrant today, demonstrating the deep roots of K-culture in British society."
The successful completion of this ambitious project was made possible through the dedicated cooperation of several Cambridge University Library staff members. The team included Alessandro Bianchi, Head of World Collections; Jiyeon Wood, Head of the Japanese and Korean Department; Sally Kent, Curator; Stuart Roberts, Head of Communications; and Dr. Seul Bi Lee, lecturer at the University of London.
The documentary series serves a dual purpose by showcasing prestigious Korean-related materials in the Cambridge University Library collection while examining how British people of that historical period viewed Joseon Korea. It explores the fascinating cultural exchanges between the two countries in literature, language, and philosophy.
Particularly noteworthy are the Bangkakbon novels that captivated British collectors of the time. These works demonstrate the enduring power of Korean storytelling and are being rediscovered as cultural archetypes of modern K-content that continues to engage audiences worldwide. The dynamic narratives and emotional depth found in this classical literature can be considered the foundational elements of contemporary K-dramas, K-webtoons, and K-storytelling.
The series pays special attention to Lucy Nevile's acquisition of two Bangkakbon novels from a Korean bookstore, which she later donated to Cambridge University. 'The Tale of Jeong Sujeong' tells the compelling story of a female general who fights against the unjust social systems of the Joseon Dynasty, featuring a unique plotline that emphasizes female agency and empowerment. 'The Tale of General Im' is particularly fascinating as it features dozens of alternative versions of the same story with different endings, remarkably similar to aspects of modern K-dramas that adapt their conclusions based on audience reactions and feedback.
The documentary also highlights William Aston's Korean grammar notebooks and his personal donation of the novel 'The Tale of Jo Ung.' These materials reveal the earliest traces of systematic Korean language research conducted in Britain and demonstrate Aston's deep respect and appreciation for Korean culture.
Another significant highlight is Kim Ok-kyun's handwritten letter, which garnered considerable attention in Korean media. In this historically important correspondence addressed to British diplomat Sir Harry Smith Parkes, Kim Ok-kyun expresses his sincere commitment to the modernization and comprehensive reform of Joseon Korea.
The series also showcases the first woodblock and letterpress Korean translation of 'The Pilgrim's Progress,' representing an important milestone in Korean publishing history and cross-cultural literary exchange.
To ensure accessibility and educational value, all digital images of the Korean treasures featured in the documentary series are available for free download from the Cambridge University Library's official website. This initiative allows researchers, students, and cultural enthusiasts worldwide to study and appreciate these invaluable historical materials.
The complete documentary series 'Korean Treasures in the Cambridge University' can be viewed on the Korean Cultural Centre UK's official YouTube channel. The project represents a significant milestone in Korean cultural diplomacy and academic cooperation between Korea and the United Kingdom, offering viewers unique insights into the historical connections between these two nations and the enduring appeal of Korean culture in British academic circles.
