This study investigates how government printing institutions were established and changed during the early period of the Joseon Dynasty. Various institutions took charge of printing work for about 100 years between the founding of the dynasty and the proclamation of the dynasty’s Great Code of Administration (經國大典) in 1485. They included Seojeok won 書籍院, Jujaso 鑄字所, Jeongeumcheong 正音廳, Chaekbang 冊房, and Gan’gyeong dogam 刊經都監. Institutions such as Gyoseogam 校書監 and Gyoseogwan 校書館 also oversaw affairs related to books, in addition to studying letters and writing ritual prayers for the state rituals. These two types of institutions shared the common business related to books, but their tasks were divided. The former was a manufacturer and the latter was a manager. Particularly, Jujaso and Gyoseogwan are notable, which respectively took charge of printing and maintenance of books. The former brought about dramatic innovation to printing technology during the reign of King Sejong, and was relocated to Gyeongbok Palace, a measure reflecting its high significance to the royal project. Around the same time, the latter took over the management of woodblocks from Jujaso and began woodblock printing. After Jujaso was reestablished in the palace, King Sejong added Jeongeumcheong and Chaekbang as printing institutions within the palace. Their installation shows the great confidence King Sejong placed on movable type printing. Many institutions were installed during his reign for letter printing, but after the king passed away, these institutions faced turbulent times as they were consolidated or shut down. Furthermore, during the reign of King Sejo, their official status was degraded. By the time of King Seongjong’s reign, Gyoseogwan finally became the country’s exclusive printing institution that integrated all functions related to printing books.