Ilseongnok: Records of Daily Reflections

Ilseongnok, "Records of Daily Reflections," originated from the diaries kept by King Jeongjo, 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), from before his ascension to the throne in which he reflected on his daily life and academic progress. After his accession, it was transformed from the personal diary of a monarch to an official daily journal of state affairs. It is of unique value with few comparable examples in the world of a diary kept by the kings of a pre-modern despotic monarchy with a view to reflecting on their rule and using it as a reference for future state administration. Read more on the UNESCO Memory of the World website.