This is the Manuscript of Malmoi (Gathering of Words), which is considered the world's first modern Korean dictionary. (Korea Heritage Service)

By Lee Jihae

Applications have been filed to include modern records on the country and women's literature in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.

The Korea Heritage Service on Nov. 21 said it applied to have Manuscripts of the Modern Korean Language Dictionaries and "Naebang Gasa" (Songs of the Inner Chambers) inscribed with the UNESCO Memory of the World Secretariat.

The manuscripts are a collection of the single-volume Malmoi (Gathering of Words), which was written from 1911-14, and the first draft of the 18-volume Comprehensive Korean Language Dictionary (1929-57).

Both are considered part of the national movement to preserve Korean language and establish national identity during Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910-45, as well as expand educational opportunities.

"Naebang Gasa" refers to a song sung by the women of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) at the women's room naebang of that era. This uniquely Korean genre of literature was handwritten and passed on from generation to generation by women at their gatherings.

The records submitted for inscription include 567 cases of lyrics composed and sung by women across generations from 1794 to the late 1960s.

"Naebang Gasa" is acclaimed for showing how women from diverse class backgrounds formed literary communities and took the lead in creation and transmission in a modern male-dominated society.

The UNESCO International Advisory Committee for the Memory of the World Programme will review both submissions. The final decision will come at the world body's executive board meeting in the first half of 2027 in France.

jihlee08@korea.kr