Ancient Korean books that were looted by French soldiers in the mid-19th century will be returned to South Korea by the end of this month.

The National Museum of Korea has finalized and signed Wednesday an accord on their return with the National Library of France in Paris.

Under the accord, all 297 “Oegyujanggak” books will be returned in four deliveries between the end of March and May.

The books will be housed at the National Museum of Korea. The return will be in the form of a permanent lease that will be renewed every five years.

The museum will hold commemorative events and exhibitions when the books arrive.

Oegyujanggak, or “Outer Gyujanggak,” was an auxiliary facility of the “Gyujanggak,” which was the royal library during the Joseon Dynasty.