premodern korean history id terms #4

Hwang Chini

The most famous Choson-era kisaeng and almost mythic figure in modern Korean imagination. While her exact birth and death dates are unknown, she is known to have lived in the 16th century. In her poems, she went by the pen name of Myongwol (bright moon), and she was known for her beauty, wit, and mastery of poetry and Confucian classics. She is significant as she was a prominent symbol of the rare agency and intellectual freedom women in Choson had and, because of this, has become a cultural icon in modern times as she has become the subject of many dramas, films, etc.

Sin Saimdang

Alive 1504-1551, she was a famous female painter and poet from the early Choson dynasty. She was the mother of renowned Korea philosopher Yi I, of whom (along with his disciples) helped elevate her status in popular memory. Today, she is significant as her placement on the 50,000 won bill is controversial to some Korean feminists who criticize the action as a symbol of Korean patriarchy’s insistence on the “good wife, wise mother” ideal.

“Neighborly Relations”

Also known as “kyorin,” it was a term used in the Choson period to refer to relations with Japan. It starts as Choson seeked to establish peaceful relationships with the new government of Tokugawa shogunate at the time, and they agree to Korea conditions, including admission of war guilt, return of prisoners. A total of 12 Choson missions from 1607-1811 were made to the Edo government, and this relationship was significant as it was seen by the Japanese, as they viewed the missions as “tributary missions,” otherwise useful fiction for legitimizing the shogunate. 

“Serving the Great” (Sadae)

The term used to describe Choson’s tributary relations with Chinese dynasties during the Choson period. These interactions and overall relationship were significant as it served as a source of legitimacy for the Choson monarch as they made an agreement that Choson would recognize the authority of the Chinese court in return for China’s recognition of Korea' s autonomy. Examples of exchanges in this tributary relationship include instances of Korean scholars meeting with Chinese officials and scholars and coming into contact with new ideas. Another example  of exchange is portrayed by a painting depicting Korea’s first Chritian convert, Yi Sunghun, receiving baptism in Beijing in 1784.

Kisaeng

Low-born women taken as young girls from outcaste and slave families who were trained as entertainers to serve the upper elite; were taught to read, write, appreciate poetry, and play musical instruments so that they could entertain especially yangban men. They were especially prominent in the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910), with famous women like Nongae and Hwang Chini, they were seen as intellectual romantic companions in a way that good Confucian wives were not. They were significant as they were examples that non-elite women could gain a sort of agency and education even in Confucian premodern Korea.

Silk Letter Incident

Occurring in 1801, Korean Catholic Hwang Sayong tried to smuggle a letter to a French bishop in Beijing. In the letter, he suggests that a fleet of European warships be sent to force the Choson court to stop persecution of Catholics. The litter itself had around 13,300 characters written on the only 24.5 x 15 inch silk paper, and it was significant as it essentially confirmed Choson’s fear that Catholics would try to rise against the state and, in a way, justified Choson’s following harsh repression of Catholicism thereafter. 

Sirhak

Meaning “practical learning,” its growth was attributed to 17th and especially 18th century scholars’ interest in applying principles from Confucian classics to correcting social and political injustices. Sirhak scholars themselves often looked to the past for inspiration, influencing their reformist attitudes. Sirhak is significant as it is seen as contributing to modernization as its scholars are praised in the modern period for their reformist sympathies.

Yŏngjo

Reigning 1724-1776, King Yongjo was born as Yongin, and ended up being the longest reigning Choson monarch known for his virtuous Confucian rule as well as for the tragic death of his son, Sado. His “policy of impartiality,” in which official appointments were granted in roughly equal portions to members of principal Confucian factions, was a key factor in his half-century of stability. In this, he was significant as he was able to reduce factional fighting among elite groups and, thus, stabilize the Choson dynasty during his reign.

Prince Sado

Alive 1735-1762, he was the second son of King Yongjo, and was the probable heir before his execution. He developed symptoms of bipolar disorder after being frequently scolded by his father, and he went on to kill women in court and commit other unspeakable acts. After being accused of trying to start a rebellion to kill his father, he was sentenced to death. He is significant as he would go on to influence his son, King Chongjo’s, rule, in which he tries to reclaim his father’s legacy, of who he believed was a victim of court politics.

Lady Hyegyŏng

Alive 1735-1816, she was the wife of Prince Sado and mother of King Chongjo, Yongjo’s successor. She would go on to write a memoir titled Hanjugnok (Records Written in Silence), which documented her mistreatment at court, tragedy of her husband’s mental illness and death, and sufferings of her natal family by political enemies. Her significance lies in her rare perspective as a female involved in court politics, as well as in her memoir shaping the historical memory of Prince Sado’s tragedy.

Hwasŏng Fortress

Built between 1794-1796 and meaning an illustrious fortress, it was a major fortress commissioned by King Chonjo to ostensibly protect his father’s tomb. It features many new technological innovations not characteristic of other Korean fortresses, and workers were paid for their involvement, something rare for the time. It is significant as it partially functioned as restoring and rehabilitating Prince Sado’s legacy as King Chongjo publicly honors his father with this fortress.

Hong Kiltong

Known as “Korea’s Robin Hood," his story focuses on being the son of a concubine who was abused by his family and society due to birth status. He decides to run away and later leads a group of bandits that attack corrupt officials and distribute booty to the exploited, using his magical and martial skills in the process. The story appears in its written form in the early 17th century, and he is significant as he has become a national symbol of especially Korean-pop culture, with even South Korea’s first full-length animated film being based on his story.