Contained in the book in 20 volumes are more than 1,300 vestiges and nearly 10,000 pieces of relics dating back to Korea's history from the primitive ages (one million years ago) to the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910), which are shown through 9,948 photos, 2,250-odd drawings and various designs.

Son Un Il, deputy director of the Korean Agency for National Heritage Conservation, told KCNA:

The illustrated book was compiled and published under the meticulous care and guidance of Chairman Kim Jong Il. He saw to it that a national compiling committee and an editorial group were organized and settled all the problems arising in the compilation and publication of the book, indicating the way for its general edition.

This book has greatly contributed to making the Korean people know well about the long history and culture of the nation and cherish the national pride and honor and patriotism.