Korean printing history began in the 7th century with the invention of woodblock printing. The earliest known printed book, the Jikji, was created in 1377 using this technique. This method allowed for the mass production of texts, making literature and knowledge more accessible to the public. In the 15th century, during the Joseon Dynasty, movable metal type was developed, further advancing printing technology. This innovation enabled faster printing and greater flexibility in producing various texts. The combination of woodblock and movable type printing played a crucial role in the spread of Confucianism and other cultural ideas in Korea.