Metal type consists of the metal alloys used in traditional type founding and hot metal typesetting. The invention of metal type was a great event that influenced the history of human beings. Sometimes, this fact becomes a headline of famous magazines which cover current events or affairs. Moreover, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization recorded the metal type used to print Jikji as the world's old metal type in 2001. There is no doubt that Korea is one of the countries that have the longest history of metal type use; however, most people do not know about the value and beauty of metal type nowadays. 

   Diverse Experiences within the Great Printing History of Korea
   This place is special as people can learn about and experience casting metal type at the same time when they visit the center. There is no entrance fee; however, visitors should pay a small amount of money if they want to take classes such as manufacturing books and samples of metal type. As there are diverse kinds of classes, everyone including children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens can enjoy learning at the center. When visitors get to the center, the first thing that attracts their attention is a room occupied with tables and chairs. People may think that the room looks like a classroom. The first floor is mainly for people to experience and listen to the explanations about the history of printing. Besides, there are some examples and photos showing former visitors who made great memories at the Cheongju Metal Type Casting Succession Hall. There are a number of staff members who help people if they have any problems with activities.
   On the second floor of the center, people can see some models of processes of casting metal type. The process of producing metal type can be divided into two parts, and each part uses unique techniques; the beeswax and molding sand casting processes. The sand casting process is much easier to watch because beeswax casting process takes more time. There is one guide who explains about each step of the casting process; so, visitors can get new knowledge and information more easily. Fortunately, there is a class of casting process that is led by In-ho Lim, who is the master of the metal type casting skill, every Friday. He shows the process and explains to the audience three times on Fridays. The first session starts at 10 o'clock and the last session starts at 3 o'clock. Even though it takes more than 1 hour per session, it is a great chance to experience the history and science of ancestors.

   The pride of Cheongju Metal Type Casting Succession Hall
   Because the Cheongju Metal Type Casting Succession Hall has a significant meaning in society, there is a person who makes the center more special. The center is presently ran by In-ho Lim, who is the intangible cultural asset no. 101. He was designated as the intangible cultural asset in December, 2009. He always wears white clothes that are tidy, which shows his passion as a master artisan of metal movable type casting. He is a person who truly enjoys his work, even though there are some difficulties and burdens that he faces as a master artisan. He said that he is always satisfied with his job. This is because he has a sense of accomplishment when he finishes pieces of metal type casting. He believes that individuals should have passion about what they do. This is because passion becomes a driving force to keep walking forward and achieve one’s goals. 
   Since making metal type requires complex and delicate skill in each step, there are parts that he should focus more carefully in order to make a masterpiece. The most complicated process is pouring a metallic stain that is over 1,200 ℃ into the molding. This process is the most significant and important because it decides the success or failure of the casting. We can find out the wisdom of our forefathers during this process. The metallic stain becomes solid without any explosion even though the initial temperature is extremely high. The reason that the metallic stain does not set is that the sand can endure the high temperature. Our ancestors knew that fact from ancient times and passed over the wisdom for their posterity. In-ho Lim said, "The Cheongju Metal Type Casting Succession Hall needs interest and attention from many people. As a result, the casting processes are the historical property of the ancestors, the public should know about the science and knowledge of our ancestors through the culture of printing. Besides, the traditions of our country should be preserved well." He is a treasure of South Korea because he shows the history of printing with his own hands.

By Baek Jin / CP Reporter / jinny524@cnu.ac.kr