The government has held ceremonies welcoming the return of royal Korean books that French troops looted from Ganghwa Island in 1866.

The events were held on Saturday on Ganghwa Island and Gyeongbok Palace.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, ceremonial rites were held at the site of the Oegyujanggak on Ganghwa Island to mark the return of the books. In the afternoon, a national welcoming event was held for the ancient royal texts at Gyeongbok Palace.

There were also a wide variety of celebrations on Saturday, including the “Ibong March” across Gwanghwamun to Gyeongbok Palace, in addition to ceremonial rites and a wide variety of celebratory performances.

The 297 volumes of the Oegyujanggak books have been returned to South Korea in four batches from April 14 to May 27.

Of them, 70 volumes will be revealed to the public during a special exhibition at the National Museum of Korea from July 19 to September 18. The books are also expected to be displayed across the nation in traveling exhibits.