These books were compiled in 1909 (the 3rd year of Emperor Sunjong’s reign) to be enshrined in the spirit halls of the two kings at Jongmyo (Royal Ancestral Shrine).
Gukjobogam (國朝寶鑑), or the Valuable Examples for Succeeding Reigns, is a history book of chronological records, containing the exemplary achievements of Joseon Kings. Unlike the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, where both merits and demerits of each king were recorded, this book only focused on describing the remarkable accomplishments of the previous kings so that their successors could run state affairs in light of the achievements of their predecessors.

Gukjobogam detailed extensively the relevant contents to prove its legitimacy as a historical record containing the meritorious works of the late kings that successors could learn from: the kings’ forewords, the compilers’ writings including their postscripts, etc. The book was respectfully offered to the king of the time, and also distributed to the government offices to be widely read.

Gukjobogam was first edited during the reign of King Sejo (r. 1455-1468). King Jeongjo (r.1776-1800) expended a lot of resources into editing and managing the book, which, as a result, became a precedent that had a profound influence on the edition of the books in the later period of Joseon. The enshrinement of Gukjobogam at Jongmyo (Royal Ancestral Shrine) also commenced during his era.
Unlike the general Gukjobogam covered in paper and bound with thread, Jongmyo editions were covered in silk and bound with brass tacks.

These editions were carefully wrapped with top quality silk cloth, put into boxes, and carried to Jongmyo in palanquins to be placed in each spirit hall. All of the processes were performed with the utmost courtesy in accordance with the proper formalities. As Gukjobogam for Jongmyo was newly compiled and enshrined upon each king’s demise, the formerly enshrined editions were also looked over: the contents were partly revised, or their covers were renewed.

Emperor Sunjong ordered the Gukjobogam of the two kings – Heonjong (r. 1834-1849) and Cheoljong (r. 1849-1863) – to be newly edited. Emperor Sunjong honored King Taejo (r. 1392-1398), the founder of Joseon, and King Jeongjo as emperors in 1909 and thereby revised their Gukjobogam. As a result, the emperor completed 28 volumes of Gukjobogam encompassing the great deeds of the former kings from the first king to the 25th one, all of which were enshrined at Jongmyo afterward.