A possibly unique proof copy of the first geological map of Korea produced by Korean geologists.

The present map, produced jointly by the Geological Survey of Korea (now the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources), and the Geological Society of Korea, was the first geological map produced by the newly formed Republic of Korea. It would become the template for all subsequent maps of the peninsula, with the work being continually updated - the last revision being 2019.

Before the publication of the present map, all previous surveys had been carried out by foreign powers keen to seek mining rights. The first geological map of the peninsula was produced by Carl Gottsche, a German geologist, who visited Korea as part of a German diplomatic mission in 1883. His work 'Geologische Skizze von Korea' was published in 1886. Renewed interest followed the end of the First Sino-Japanese War of 1895, when Japan - now in control of the Korean Peninsula - sent a team of geologists to map the terrain. In 1903, Goto Bunjiro published 'An Orographic Sketch of Korea', explaining the structure and origin of mountain ranges on the Korean Peninsula and producing a 'Geotectonic Map of Korea' at a scale of 1: 2,000,000. 'The Chosun General Geologic Map' at a scale of 1: 1,500,000 and the 'Chosun Geology and Ore Deposits Map' at a scale of 1: 1,000,000 were published in 1907 and 1919, respectively. In 1928, the Chosun General Geologic Map was revised. During 1924–1938, geological maps at a scale of 1: 50,000 were made for several areas, including Miryang in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gilju in Hamgyeongbuk-do.

The currently example, as stated in pencil above the title, is a "Color proof. Not Published 9/19/46 Arthur J. (?)Jude".

The map differs in several important way from the published examples that we have been able to trace.

On the published example:

1. The names of both Ok Joon Kim, and Han Tae Kim have been omitted from the title, and the text reset.
2. Korean characters have been added above the title and to the key, which has also been reset.
3. The title box has been widened.
4. An imprint line in Korean has been added to the lower left.
5. The map has been enlarged by a degree to the south.
6. The map is printed on two sheets.

The addition of Korean text to the title and key must have been to aid Korean native speakers (the base map was already printed in Korean), with the omission of the names of the compilers making room for the Korean title. The change to printing on two sheets made the work easier to produce.

The present map would appear to have been part funded by the United States, who continue to have strong links with Seoul to the present day. To the lower right below the border a note reads: "This paper was donated by Asia Foundation". The Asia Foundation was set up in 1954 in San Francisco, to undertake cultural and educational activities on behalf of the United States Government in ways not open to official U.S. agencies. The foundation continues to provide educational and leadership support throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Rare: we are unable to trace another example of the present state.