• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.43
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• pp.247-281
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• 2008

The purpose of this article is to re-examine the issue of Chobo's origin, which has not been clearly determinated thus far. Also, the research investigates Chobo's name, time point of discontinuance, character of the article on disaster, and civil-printed incident of Chobo during King Sunjo. As an internal bulletin, handwritten Chobo began to come out at the end of 15th century, roughly King Sungjong period of Chosun Dynasty. Systematically developed in the period of King Jungjong, it had continuously been released until November, 1907 when fairly organized and competitive commercial daily newspapers were published and when the office of secretary named Biseogam was abolished. Because handwritten Chobo was exclusive and narrow in its communication nature and difficult to read it's fast handwritten Nancho calligraphic style, in August, 1577 (10th year of King Sunjo) a few civilian in Seoul obtained a permission from authorities (Uijungboo and Sahunboo) published a wooden type printed Chobo. Unfortunately, privately printed Chobo was forced to cease in 3 month because of King Sunjo's oppressive measure. However, considering it was published for a profit by civilian and used the world's first type printing, it is highly probable that Chobo seems to be the world’s first type printing commercial daily newspaper.