Abstract
The article introduces the medieval Korean chronicle Samguk Yusa and its significance in Korea today. In terms of methodology, the article applies the theories of codes introduced by Roland Barthes, Yuri Lotman or Algirdas Greimas on material collected during field research in Korea.
In the beginning, the text discusses the chronicle itself, the author's intention and the chronicle's position during the Chosŏn era. Then, it describes the understanding and construction of national history in modern Korea, namely in post-war Republic of Korea, where Samguk Yusa became a key source for invention and verification of identity, both national and local.
The text introduces the main types to invention or reinvention of traditions and describes how the chronicle is employed for that purpose. It is further demonstrated on particular examples of actualization of the myth of Yŏno and Seo, myth of Lady Suro, story of monk Wŏnhyo's bridge and the narrative of introduction of Buddhism to Silla.
Samguk Yusa recorded the sacred history of the Korean nation. Therefore, it has both, the national aspect and the sacred aspect, clearly articulated.
The chronicle is hence a productive source for national and religious discourse.