Ancient Korean books that were looted by French soldiers in the mid-19th century are expected to be returned to South Korea around May of next year.

The South Korean Embassy in Paris made the projection on Monday, adding that no decisions have been reached on a specific date for the return.

The embassy, which organizes bilateral consultations on the return of the “Oegyujanggak” books, said the two sides are holding consultations on the date for the return.

The embassy said that the two sides are discussing details on the technical aspects of delivering the books, such as the temperature and humidity levels inside the vehicles used to transport them.

The embassy said the books will be returned once France concludes work on digitalizing the ancient books that are currently preserved at the National Library of France.

“Oegyujanggak," or “Outer Gyujanggak,” was an auxiliary facility of the “Gyujanggak,” which was the royal library during the Joseon Dynasty. The books were taken from a facility on Ganghwa Island during the French invasion of the island in 1866.