Among The Oldest Printing Blocks in the World

On January 4th, we drove almost 3 hours southeast to the UNESCO World Heritage temple Haeinsa. This temple is very old (it dates back to the 600s), but the reason it has a UNESCO designation is because it houses over 81,000 wooden printing blocks that date back to the 1200s. These hand-carved wooden blocks are among the oldest printing blocks in the world (Korea also produced the first printing press using moveable metal type, too, way before Gutenberg - but more about that in a few days when we visit another destination!). The day was beautiful and sunny, and it was humbling to be in the midst of such ancient history. The original set of these blocks was created around 1066 but was destroyed by the Japanese. In the 1200s Buddhist monks began making this set, and it took 17 years to complete them all. The blocks have escaped 7 separate fires and narrowly averted destruction during the Korean War when a pilot disobeyed a direct order to bomb the complex. Also, the buildings constructed for the blocks (behind Brian, Hannah and Cora) were constructed with lots of natural ventilation, and a floor made of layers of salt, sand and charcoal; in this environment the blocks stay preserved beautifully. The buildings themselves have received special designation: National Treasure No. 52. For Brian and I - after spending over 10 years in the printing business - this day trip was very exciting!