국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Highlights
Certificate of Meritorious Subject Issued to Jin Chung-gwi
  • Nationality/Period

    Joseon Dynasty

  • Materials

    Paper - Mulberry Paper

  • Category

    life in society - social system - document - official document

  • Dimensions

    30.8x634.0cm

  • Designation

    Treasure 1160

  • Accession Number

    Sinsu 11000

This scroll, a nokgwon or Certificate of Annual Stipend,” was awarded to a governor of Uiju named Jin Chung-gwi when King Taejo made him a Minor Meritorious Subject for the Foundation of the Dynasty. The certificate was awarded to him in 1395 when King Taejo established a special government office known as the Gongsin Dogam, or Directorate of Meritorious Subjects, to honor those of his followers who had contributed to the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty. The text of the certificate starts by declaring that the king “appoints Jin Chung-gwi, presently a Gajeong Lord of the Second Grade Minor and Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Uiju, whose clan seat is in Samcheok, as a Minor Meritorious Subject for the Foundation of the Dynasty.” The sentence is then followed by the judgment to appoint the Directorate of Meritorious Subjects and a list of the names and posts of the other meritorious subjects. The certificate ends with the names and signatures of the officials in charge of affairs in the Gongsin Dogam.