Wills — Korean Style

While visiting the National Museum in Seoul, South Korea a few days ago, I had the opportunity to view King Taejo’s will in which he disposed of his property to his daughter, Princess Suksin.  The will is dated 1401 and is from the Joseon Period.  Because of the significance of this will, it has been designated as the 515th most important National Treasure of South Korea.

Here is a picture of the dispositive provisions of the will.  Note that the will itself is in the middle of a long scroll.  Also note the use of Chinese characters as the will was written before the adoption of the Korean hangeul alphabet in 1446.  (The two bright spots are reflections of overhead lights.)