World Famous Koryo Paper
In the period of Koryo Dynasty the Korean people made quality paper by inheriting the long tradition of paper-making from the period of three dynasties, including Koguryo.
General characteristics of Koryo paper is that it is white, durable, smooth, soft, and free from fuzz and worms.
At that time Koryo paper was well-known to the world for its very high quality.
In particular, white writing paper, silk paper and darkish blue paper were exported to China in the period of not only Koryo but also Joson Feudal Dynasty to be used as essentials for the Chinese nobles.
“Bibliography of Korea” published in Paris of France in 1894 described Koryo paper as follows:
“The paper used for books in Korea, regardless of age, are characterized by its softness and elasticity, and the ancient books have lasted long though the paper are very thin. It can be proved by the fact the books of Koryo period found in temples and the libraries in Europe have no yellow spots at all and have not been worm-eaten. It is not clear when paper industry was established in Korea, but there has been no information that Koreans used other materials rather than paper to write on. In addition, already in the 19th century they widely distributed books, had a well-regulated research institute, and in the next century (10th century) set up a library. All these facts prove the undoubted fact that Korea has made paper since long time ago.”
Koryo paper which demonstrates the wisdom and talents of the Korean people was known throughout the world as the best paper in the world for its superiority.
