A third batch of ancient Korean royal books which French troops looted from Ganghwa Island in 1866 has arrived in Seoul.

Seventy-five books from the 297-book Oegyujanggak Uigwe collection were directly transported to the National Museum of Korea after arriving at Incheon International Airport at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

The first and second batches, totaling about 140 royal books, returned on April 14th and 29th, respectively, in the form of a permanent lease.

The fourth and final shipment of 73 books will arrive on May 27th.

The collection, which was part of a royal library during the Joseon Dynasty, were being held at the National Library of France since the French invasion.