Yi I
| Yi I | |
| Hangul | 이이 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 李珥 |
| RR | I I |
| MR | I I |
| Art name | |
| Hangul | 율곡 |
| Hanja | 栗谷 |
| RR | Yulgok |
| MR | Yulgok |
| Courtesy name | |
| Hangul | 숙헌 |
| Hanja | 叔獻 |
| RR | Sukheon |
| MR | Sukhŏn |
Yi I (Korean: 이이; Hanja: 李珥;[1] 1536–1584) was a Korean philosopher, writer, and Confucian scholar of the Joseon period.[2] Yi is often referred to by his art name Yulgok ("Chestnut valley"). He was also a politician[3] and was the academical successor of Cho Kwangjo.
Biography
[edit | edit source]Yi was born in Gangneung, Gangwon Province in 1536 into the Deoksu Yi clan. His father was a Left Second State Councillor (좌찬성; jwachanseong) Yi Won-su, and his mother, Shin Saimdang, was an accomplished artist and calligrapher. He was the grandnephew of Yi Ki, Chief State Councilor from 1549 to 1551.[citation needed]
In his early years, he was a student of Baek In-geol, the successor of Cho Kwangjo. It is said that by the age of seven he had finished his lessons in the Confucian classics, and passed the Civil Service literary examination at the age of 13. Yi secluded himself in Kumgang-san following his mother's death when he was 16 and stayed for 3 years, studying Buddhism. He left the mountains at 20 and devoted himself to studying Neo-Confucianism.[4][5]
He married at 22, and visited Yi Hwang at Dosan the following year. He passed special exams with top honors with a winning thesis titled Cheondochaek (천도책; 天道策; lit. Book on the Way of Heaven), which was widely regarded as a literary masterpiece, displaying his knowledge of history and the Confucian philosophy of politics, and also reflecting his profound knowledge of Taoism.[6] He continuously received top honors on civil exams for a consecutive 9 times. His father died when he was 26.[3] He served in various positions in government from the age of 29, and visited the Ming dynasty as seojanggwan (서장관; 書狀官; lit. document officer) in 1568. He also participated in the writing of the Myeongjong Annals and at 34, authored Dongho Mundap, an eleven-article political memorial devoted to clarifying his conviction that a righteous government could be achieved.[7]
Due to his vast experience in different offices over the years, Yi was able to garner a wide vision of politics and with the deep trust of the king, became one of the central figures of politics by the time he was 40. His many documents and theses were presented to the royal court but when political conflicts escalated in 1576, his efforts proved fruitless and he returned home. Following his return, he devoted his time to studies and education of his disciples and authored several books.[3]
He returned to office at 69 and while holding various minister positions, produced many writings which recorded crucial political events and showed his efforts to ease the political conflicts that were rampant at that time. However, King Seonjo was noncommittal in his attitude and it became difficult for Yi to remain in a neutral position in the conflicts. He left office in 1583 and died the following year.[3]
According to legend, he had a pavilion built near the ford of the Imjin River in his lifetime and instructed his heirs to set it ablaze when the king had to flee northward from Seoul, to provide a guiding beacon. This took place during Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea at the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598).[8]
Teachings
[edit | edit source]Yi was not only known as a philosopher but also as a social reformer. He did not completely agree with the dualistic Neo-Confucianism teachings followed by Yi Hwang. His school of Neo-Confucianism placed emphasis on the more concrete, material elements; rather than inner spiritual perception, this practical and pragmatic approach valued external experience and learning.[9] Unlike Yi Hwang, who suffered through tumultuous times and did not enjoy being in politics, Yi was an active official who thought it important to implement Confucian values and principles to government administration. He emphasized sage learning and self-cultivation as the base of proper administration.[4][5]
Yi is also well known for his foresight about national security. He proposed to draft and reinforce the army against a possible Japanese attack. His proposal was rejected by the central government. He died afterwards, before the start of the Imjin war.[5]
Selected works
[edit | edit source]These are some of Yi's published writings:[10]
- Questions and Answers at East Lake (동호문답; 東湖問答Lua error: not enough memory.) - Eleven articles about political reform.[7]
- Memorial in Ten Thousand Words (Lua error: not enough memory.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.) - Suggestions about Confucian learning, self-cultivation, and application to government administration.[11]
- The Essentials of the Studies of the Sages (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.) - Fundamentals of Confucian ethics, self-cultivation and statecraft.[12]
- The Secret of Expelling Ignorance (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.) - Systematic guide of learning.[13]
- Daily Records of Lectures before the Throne (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.) - Record of political events and happenings.[14]
- The Complete Works of Yulgok (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.) was compiled after his death on the basis of the writings he bequeathed.[15]
Legacy
[edit | edit source]
Yulgongno, a street in central Seoul, is named after him,[16] and he is depicted on the South Korean 5,000 won note.[17] The Taekwon-Do pattern Yul-Gok was also named in his honor. This is the pattern required to advance from 5th geup (급) green belt with blue tag to 4th geup blue belt. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th degree latitude.[18] The "Yulgok Project", a modernization project for the South Korean military, is named after him as well.[19]
Family
[edit | edit source]- Father: Yi Won-su (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; 1501–1561)
- Grandfather: Yi Cheon (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Mother: Shin Saimdang (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; 1504–1551)
- Grandfather: Shin Myeong-hwa (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Grandmother: Lady Yi of the Yongin Yi clan (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Siblings
- Older brother: Yi Seon (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Older sister: Yi Mae-chang (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.), Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan
- Older brother: Yi Byeon (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Older sister: Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Younger sister: Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Younger brother: Yi Woo (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; 1542–1609)
- Wife and children:
- Lady No of the Goksan No clan (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; ? – 1592)
- Daughter: Lady Yi (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Son-in-law: Kim Jip (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; 1574–1656)
- Grandson: Kim Ik-hyeong (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Grandson: Kim Ik-ryeon (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Son-in-law: Kim Jip (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; 1574–1656)
- Daughter: Lady Yi (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Lady No of the Goksan No clan (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; ? – 1592)
- Concubines
- Lady Kim (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
- Lady Yi of the Gyeongju Yi clan (Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.)
Popular culture
[edit | edit source]- Portrayed by Jung Joon-won in the 2017 SBS TV series Saimdang, Memoir of Colors.
See also
[edit | edit source]Notes
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
- ^ Daehwan, Noh. "The Eclectic Development of Neo-Confucianism and Statecraft from the 18th to the 19th Century," Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Korea Journal. Winter 2003.
- ^ a b c d Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Yi I at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ a b Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Yi I Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at The Academy of Korean Studies
- ^ a b c Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. [1] Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at Encyclopedia of Korean Culture
- ^ Lee Eunjik(이은직) translated by Jeong Hongjun(정홍준), Great Joseon Masters Vol.2 (조선명인전 2) p35, Ilbit Publishing, Seoul, 2005. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
- ^ a b Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Dongho MundapLua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Choi Beomseo (최범서), Unofficial History of Joseon Vol. 2 p52, Garam Publishing, Seoul, 2003. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
- ^ Lee Hyun-hee, Park Sung-soo, Yoon Nae-hyun, translated by The Academy of Korean Studies, New History of Korea p393, Jimoondang, Paju, 2005. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Maneon BongsaLua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Seonhak Jibyo at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Gyeokmong Yogyel at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Gyeongyeon IlgiLua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Yulgok JeonseoLua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. YulgongnoLua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. at Doosan Encyclopedia
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. Money bill designs at Naver dictionary
- ^ Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
- ^ Cha Yeonggu (차영구), Theory and Actuality of National Defense Policies (국방정책의 이론과 실제) p86, Oruem, Seoul, 2002. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1..
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References
[edit | edit source]- Chung, Edward Y. J. (1995). The Korean Neo-Confucianism of Yi Tʻoegye and Yi Yulgok: a Reappraisal of the 'Four-Seven Thesis' and its Practical Implications for Self-Cultivation. Albany: State University of New York Press. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; OCLC 30594574
- Daehwan, Noh. "The Eclectic Development of Neo-Confucianism and Statecraft from the 18th to the 19th Century," Korea Journal. Winter 2003.
- Haboush, JaHyun Kim and Martina Deuchler. (1999). Culture and the State in Late Chosŏn Korea. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; OCLC 40926015
- Lee, Peter H. (1993). Sourcebook of Korean Civilization, Vol. 1. New York: Columbia University Press. Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.; OCLC 26353271
External links
[edit | edit source]- Yulgok Academy
- Ojukheon & Gangneung Municipal Museum
- Yulgok and the Logic of Li and Qi
- Selected bibliography
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