Shin-Young Chung

Korean King Sejong’s Letter to Johannes Gutenberg

In September 1999, the Department of Design at the Fachhochschule in Mainz, Germany, held a competition for its students under the general title, “A Love Letter to Gutenberg.” The major prize included a one-month stay at the school, with 500 copies of the winning entries produced by the students using the extensive printing press facilities.

Shin-Young Chung reproduced a letter written in 1449 by King Sejong of Korea to Johannes Gutenberg. The King invented the Korean alphabet that is still in use today. He became aware of Gutenberg and his work with moveable type from traveling merchants, and instructed his ministers to draft the letter.

Press: Printed by the Artist
Date: 1999
Number and Edition: 279 of 500
Size: 16.25: x 30.625”