The complete collection, known as a Buddhist encyclopedia dealing with the Buddhist scriptures and relevant books, consists of 6,793 volumes in over 1,530 kinds. The number of wooden blocks for its printing reaches more than 80,000.

Its publication was begun in the first half of the 11th century.

The first printing of the collection by wood blocks was made in 1087, but it was burnt by foreign aggressors in 1231.

Its publication started again in 1236 and ended in 1251. Wood blocks made in those days are now preserved in their original state as a national treasure at the Myohyangsan History Museum in the DPRK.

Machilus thunbergii, Betula schmidtii and Betula platyphylla were used as materials for wooden blocks, and the size of each block is 69.6 centimeters in length, 24 centimeters in width and 3.7 centimeters in thickness. Every block contains 22 lines, on each of which 14 letters are engraved. The letters and blocks resemble sculptures.

The wooden bars were laid doubly on both ends of the lacquered block and bronze bands were placed on its four corners. And the date of composition, titles of scriptures and wood cutters, number of volumes, etc. were also carved on the blocks.

When visiting the Myohyangsan History Museum in June Juche 78 (1989), President Kim Il Sung came to know that only some of the wooden blocks were on display there. He advised that all the blocks should be displayed, indicating how to do so.