An Jong Bok, a realist scholar (1712-1791), compiled the book in 1778, on the basis of many local and foreign history books.

The book contains a posthumous article of Ri Ik, another realist scholar (1681-1763), introduction, table of contents, explanatory notes, histories of successive dynasties, geographical features and government posts.

It, richer than other history books in materials, gives explanations of the Korean people's struggle against invasions, astronomy, architecture, metallurgy, culture, politics, land and slavery.

Tongsagangmok has an appendix with the author's views of historical events and comments on folktales.

The book is considered one of the nation's heritages as it is of weighty significance in studying the historical development of Korea.