Jikji

The Jikji is a Korean collection of Buddhist teachings by Seon master Baegun and printed in movable type by his students Seok-chan and Daijam in 1377. Although the Jikji does not have the honor of being the oldest book printed with movable type, but it is the oldest surviving example of such. 

Movable type was an 11th century Chinese invention, refined in Korea in 1230, before meeting conditions in Europe that would allow it to flourish. The Jikji predates the commonly known Gutenberg Bible by 78 years. Korea has regarded Jikji as a national point of pride that ranks among the most important of books. Yet UNESCO only certified Jikji as the “oldest movable metal type printing evidence” in 2001. The recognition may be late in coming, but it matters a great deal, nonetheless.