KJCKorea
Journal Central

Yang Eung-jeong, who was a bureaucrat and literary artist from the mid-Joseon era, was one of key literati active in the Honam region. He passed the government examination of the civil official division-B class in 1552. In 1556, he passed another higher level examination as the top winner by writing about ‘South-North Winning Measures’ under the theme of “the policy of governing internally well and boosting power externally.” In addition, he served as the Head of Confucian Education Department twice, and was excellent in writing essays, becoming one of the poets which dominated the so called prosperous period. It was the times of King Myeongjong and King Seonjo in the mid-16th century that Yang Eung-jeong was mainly active. That era, which was called the prosperous period, bloomed the activities of writing poems and essays. Figures, who helped create that era, were mainly those literati from the Honam region or closely related with Honam. Among them were the founders of the prosperous period, and opinion leaders of that time. Yang Eung-jeong is seen as one of the founders of the prosperous period. Yang Eung-jeong left three poetic essays, which are <Archery>, <Shrine of Taebaek>, and <A great master craftsman does not abandon wood>. <Archery> was written based on the Meaning of Archery of 『The Book of Rites』 ; <Shrine of Taebaek>was based on Taebaek of 『The Analects』 ; and <A great master craftsman does not abandon wood> was based on Daejang of 『Mencius』. The writers should be influenced by their times since their literary works are the outputs of their spirits and understanding. The three works, which were set in the times of King Myeongjong and King Seonjo in the 16th century, is filled with the patriotism of Yang Eung-jeong. <Archery> recommends the archery for noblemen and scholars as a way of promoting their spirit in confusing times, and wishes that they were models every inch equipped with literary ability and martial arts. <Shrine of Taebaek>, quoting the historical facts, rationalizes the enthroning of King Seonjo to prevent the confusion of the government due to the issue of succession to the throne. <A great master craftsman does not abandon wood> suggests to kings that they should put the right man in the right place not to disregard talents. Yang Eung-jeong did not leave many poetic essays. However, his works, after the essay <Yeongho> of the greatest essayist Choe Chi-won from Silla, is regarded as an important part of the poetic essay genre of Korea which was handed down to Goryeo and Joseon from the previous times.

Yang Eung-jeong, poetic essay, <Archery>, <Shrine of Taebaek>, <A great master craftsman does not abandon wood>, patriotism