Gyuwon Sahwa

The Gyuwon Sahwa (규원사화) is a text, considered to be written in 1675, which describes ancient Korean history including the creation of the universe.

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The name of this book was first mentioned in Danjeon Youi (단전요의, 檀典要義) which was published in 1925, and introduced a part of the contents. A copy of the transcription, which Dr. Yang Judong collected before 1940, was first published in 1968. However, the book which is believed to be transcribed in Joseon Dynasty era and is now kept in the National Library of Korea, was discovered and authenticated by its Ancient Texts Examination Committee in 1972.

In Gyuwon Sahwa, the author calls himself "Buk-aeja" (북애자/北崖子) or "old man Buk-ae" (北崖老人), which can be a Buddhist title. The book states that it is based on Jinyeok Yugi (진역유기, 震域遺記), which was written by Yi Myeong (이명, 李茗), and no longer exists. Several of the China's mythical rulers are mentioned, although slightly different in detail from the Chinese Sagi.

Today, its principal value is generally seen in its role as a historical story reflecting the consciousness of the period, rather than as a historical record. Similar contents are also found in Hwandan Gogi, which is generally believed to have been influenced by the Gyuwon Sahwa.

In the conference of "Cooperative Conference about Dangun and Gojoseon by North and South Korean Historians" held in 2002, Professor Son Jongyeong concluded that Gyuwon Sahwa is a real historical record of Gojoseon and is worthy of research. Additionally, the chronicle of Danguns from the 1st Dangun to the 47th Dangun described in Gyuwon Sahwa are cited in the book titled Gojoseon Ryeoksa Gaegwan (The Outline of Gojoseon History published in North Korea).