KOREAN WRITING. 
149 
employed by the Koreans, a circumstance which 
might easily lead to some discrepancy. 
Hamel himself, in reference to the writing of this 
people, observes, “They (the Koreans) use three 
sorts of writing, the first like that of China and 
Japan, which they use for printing their books, and 
all public afliiirs; the second like the common 
writing among Europeans — the great men and 
governors use it to answer petitions, and make notes 
on letters of advice, or the like — the commonalty 
cannot read this writing; the third is more un- 
polished, and serves women and the common sort. ' 
The Dutchman resided thirteen years in Korea, 
some of which time was passed in the capital. 
Two hundred years ago his ship was wrecked on 
the Island of Quelpart, having been overtaken by a 
violent tempest, which “ shook their boltsprit, and 
endangered their prow." They were then over- 
whelmed by a great wave, which caused the master 
to cry out “ to cut down the mast by the board, 
and go to their prayers.” His account of the 
appearance, manners, and customs of the Koreans 
