Celebrities of Boeun
- Gong Jik
- Gu Bong-seo
- Gu Su-bok
- Kwon Yang-ha
- Geumo Daejongsa
- Kim Ga-gi
- Kim Gyeong
- Kim Gyeong-se
- Kim Gwang
- Kim Seong-won
- Kim Ok
- Kim Won-ryang
- Kim Jeong
- No Byeong-dae
- Park Mun-ho
- Seong Wun
- Song Si-do
- Eo Yul-jung
- Ryu Sin-yeong
- Yun Yeo-ik
- Yun Jeong-hun
- Lee Guk-seon
- Lee Ryeon
- Lee Myeong-baek
- Lee Myeong-hong
- Lee Sa-gyun
- Lee Sang-su
- Lee Se-jeong
- Lee Seung-chil
- Lee Il-seon
- Lee Jun-yeong
- Lee Chang-seon
- Lee Cheon
- Lee Cheon-ge
- Lee Heung-yeol
- Im Ei-baek
- Choi Su-seong
- Choi Yeong
- Choi Hong-rim
- Hong Yunseong
Gong Jik (?~939)
He was from Maegok. Originally, he was an army general of the late Silla dynasty, and became subordinate of Gyeonhwon who had founded Hoo-Baekjae in the Post-Three Kingdoms Era. Later, sick of luxury and corruption of Hoo-Baekjae, he surrendered to the army of Koreo, another kingdom that had appeared in the Post-Three Kingdoms Era. He played an important role to attack Hoo-Baekjae. He was raised to higher positions in Koreo dynasty. After death, he was conferred the honorary postion of Sagong Samjung Daegwang. His posthumous name was Bongi. )
Gu Bong-seo (1597~1644)
His nom de plume was Nakju. The original place of Goo, his family name, was Neungseong. He was a descendent of Goo Soo-bok, and son of Goo Gae.
He learned poem under Gwon Pil, and passed Saengwon Exam. in 1617 (9th year of king Gwanghae), and Jeunggwang Moongwa Byeonggwa Exam, in 1624.
He was appointed in Seungmoonwon, and later became geomyeol in it. Through Hongmoongwan and Saganwon, he became ijorang. He opposed Sachin Chooseong of king Injo. One time. he was given the chance of sabbatical year. He served as heads of some counties and of Jeolla province. After the Ching China's invasion to Joseon (1637-8), he became the governor of Pyeongando province. His posthumous name conferred was Gyeonheon.
The letters on his tombstone was written by Wooam Song Si-yeol, one of distinguished scholars and politicians in the Joseon dynasty.
Gu Su-bok (1491~1545)
His nom de plume was Byeongam. The original place of Goo, his family name, was Neungseong. He was son of Goo Ee, and elder brother of Goo Soo Dam who served as Daesaseong.
He was given the sabbatical year in 1514. He passed Gwageo of Siknyeon Moongwa in 1516, and given the position of eejojeongrang. When the Gimyo Sahwa, scholars purge, took place, he refused the threat of opening the North Gate of the court of the leaders of the riot. So, after the success of the riot, he was deposed of the government official. He came down to Boeun, hometown of his wife, and spent his later life there supported by the righteous man, Kim Tae-am.
In 1533, he could go back to the officialdom with the help of his brother and Lee Joongyeong, and became the head of Goorae. But he died while in office.
Kwon Yang-ha (1864~1928)
His nom de plume was Myoeun. The original place of Kwon, his family name, was Andong. He was famous for his filial piety from his childhood. When Joseon became the Japanese colony n 1910, he retired to his house, and only taught students.
He constructed the Nangookjeong pavilion in Jonggok, Boeun.i
GeumoDaejongsa (1896~1968)
The original place of Jung, his family name, was Dongnae. He came from Gangjin, Jeolla province, and son of Yongpo.
He became monk when he was 16 years old at Mahayeon Seonwon of the Geumgangsan mountain by Doam Goonghyeon Seonsa.
At the age of 28, he became the disciple of Bowol Seonsa who would die 2 years later. He focused only on propagating Buddhism principles to the people, and on rearing disciples. After the liberation of Korea from the Japanese occupation in 1945, he conducted the cleaning movement of Korean Buddhism. In 1954, he was elected the chairman of the promoting committee of the Korean Monks Meeting, and became the general secretary of the Korean Jogae Denomination Association. He became the main priest of Beopjusa and died in 1968.
Kim Ga-gi (1537~1597)
He was a patriot during the king Seonjo era. His nom de plume was Ilgoodang. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. He was son of Kim Cheon Boo, county head, and disciple of Jang Seong Woon. After serving as head of Noseong hyeon, he returned to his hometown, and focused on compiling the collection of works of his teacher, Jang Seong Woon. In 1597 (30th year of king Seonjo), he was killed while fighting with Japanese soldiers who invaded his village in 1597.
His wife was also killed on the site, trying to save her husband. His daughter-in-law was also killed in a fight with Japanese army after killing a Japanese soldier. Therefore, three members of his family were killed on the same day.
Kim Gyeong (1610~?)
He was the military officer in the middle of the Joseon dynasty. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. He passed the military part of Gwageo in 1627, and served as the navy commander covering southern three provinces.
He was famous for his integrity and keeping principles regarding his public life and treating his soldiers like his younger brothers and sons. One time, king Injo admired him, "His strategy is excellent, and his thoughts are deep. There have been rare generals like him from the past."
Kim Gyeong-se (?~1636)
He was a patriot during the king Injo era. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyemyeong. He passed the military part of Gwageo in 1624, and served as seonjeongwan at first, and was promoted to the vice-minister of the Defence Department. However, in that year, seeing the government reconciling with Manchurian forces which invaded Joseon in 1627, he resigned from his position, and returned to his hometown.
When the Manchurian forces invaded again in 1637, and the court moved to the Namhansan Seong fortress, he led 19 righteous men and over 800 voluntary soldiers to fight against the Manchurian forces, in cooperation with the king-protecting soldiers led by Jeong Sae Gyu, head of Choongcheong province. He was killed by Manchurian forces at heomcheon.
Kim Gwang (1482~1542)
He was a scholar in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Jangam.
He entered Dosolam temple of Songnisan mountain when he was 13 years old to study, and passed samasi gwageo. Seeing the scene in which some powerful officials threatened the king and dethrone the queen, he wrote a poem criticizing it. Seeing his younger brother being killed at the Gimyo Sahwa, he decided to avoid the secular world. He built a house in the western part of Songnisan mountain, and focused only on studying with the motto, 'Study hard, and work for myself' not responding to the demand of the government to serve in it. His tomb is in dongjeong-ri, Suhan myeon. There is a monument for him.
Kim Seong-won (1565~1592)
He is scholar in the middle of the Joseon dynasty. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Songchon. He was disciple of Jo Heon. From childhood, he was sincere and integral. By asking his teacher on small and big matters, he was specially loved by his teacher.
When Japan invaded Joseon in 1592, Jo Heon raised voluntary army, and Kim Seong Won joined him, and was killed in Geumsam battle with Jo Heon. He was posthumously awarded as Dosa in 1717 for his contribution to the country during the Japanese Invasions. To commemorate his contribution, the Choongsin Jeongmoon (Loyal Official Gate) was built in his home village, and his mortuary tablet was enshrined in the Hooyoolsa at Chajeong-ri, Soohan myeon.
Kim Ok (1603~1646)
He is scholar in the middle of the Joseon dynasty. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. He passed jinsasi gwageo in 1627. He served as head of Hyeonpoong hyeon. He was quick and clear in treating public works. His activities are recorded in Hyeonpoong Gunji. His tomb is located in Seongjok-ri, Boeun eup.
Kim Won-ryang (1589~1624)
He is scholar in the middle of the Joseon dynasty. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Michon. His family lived in Boeun since the late Koreo dynasty. He was disciple of Kim Jang Seng. He was frinds with Na Man Gap and Jo Sik. His posthumous name given by the king was Gangmin. His tomb is in Moonam-ri, Boojo myeon.
Kim Jeong (1486~1521)
He is scholar in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Kim, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Choongam. He passed samasi gwageo in 1504, and passed jeunggwang moongwa as the first. He served as high officials.
His books include Choongamjip and Jeju Poongtorok. He is considered as the representative scholar and politician from Boeun in the Joseon dynasty. There are Seokcheonam temple, where he studied, and the monument commemorating him in Seongjok-ri.
No Byeong-dae (1856~1913)
He was the general of voluntary army against the Japanese takeover of the Joseon dynasty in the late 19th century and the early 20th century. His nom de plume was Geumwon. He was born in Hwaryeong, Sangju gun. He studied under Seongje Heojeon. He became Changreung Chambong in 1889.
In 1908, he was captured by the Japanese soldiers, and sentenced to 10 year imprisonment by the Court in Gongju. though he was released from prison in 1911, he resumed to collect voluntary army and fought against the Japanese soldiers. He was imprisoned again in the Daegu Prison. In 1968, he was conferred posthumous honors of the National Order of Merit of the Order of Merit for National Foundation, to commemorate his contributions.
Park Mun-ho (1846~1918)
He was scholar of the late Joseon dynasty. The original place of Park, his family name, was Yeonghae. His nom de plume was Hosan. He studied under his father, first, and, then, studied Neo-Confucianism under Eodang Lee Sang Su.
Taking serious views of theories of Neo-confucianism, and taking the teachings of Wooam and Namdang, he was high in scholarship and character. He was conferred the posthumous honor of Muneui. His books were Hoamjip and Yeosohak.
Seong Wun (1497~1579)
He was scholar of the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Seong, his family name, was Changnyeong. His nom de plume was Daegok. Though he passed Samasi gwageo in the king Jungjong era, he hided to Jonggok-ri village where his wife had come from, Watching his brother was victimized in the Eulsa Sahwa, scholars purge, in 1545. He devoted himself only in scholarship afterwards. He was considered as being deep in scholarship.
His tomb and tombstone are in Seongjok-ri, Boeun eup, and they were designated as Local Munument No 70.
Song Si-do (1613~1689)
He was scholar in the middle of Joseon dynasty. The original place of Song, his family name, was Eunjin. His nom de plume was Saehanje. He served as heads of Cheongan hyeon, and Boeun hyen.
He wrote Saehanje Yugo. When he lived the retirement life in Boeun, he served as the manager of Sanghyeon Seowon enshrining Chungam Kim Jeong and Daegok Seongoon. He added Dongju Seong Je-won and Jungbong Jo Heon to the list of enshrinement. This tomb is in Gyoam-ri, Suhan myeon.
Eo Yul-jung(1848~1896)
He was a politician in the Enlightenment era. The original place of Eo, his family name, was Hamjong. His nom de plume was Ilje. His mother died when he was 9 years old, so was his father when he was 16 years old. He worked in the daytime and studied at night. He passes Chilseokje gwageo, preliminary test for the main gwageo, as the top of applicants, and passed the Moongwa gwageo next year, and began his official life.
Though he belonged to moderate enlightenment group among politicians, he was very strict and brave. In the famous Gapo Reform (1894-6), the overall reforms in financial and economic part of it was designed and led by him. He was conferred posthumously as Gyujanggak Daejehak, and conferred nom de plume, Chungsuk. The collection of his writings is Eo Yul Jung Jeonjip. The house where he grew up remains in Seongok-ri, Samseung myeon.
Ryu Sin-yeong (1853~1919)
He was a pariot in the late Old Han period. The original place of Ryu, his family name, was Pungsan, descendent of Ryu Seong Ryong, the leader of the Joseon dynasty in the Japanese Invasions era (1592-8). His nom de plume was Haeun. Though he was ambitious from childhood, he retired from the world by moving to Samga-ri, Nesongni myeon, seeing his father dying after 17 day fast protesting the Japanese takeover of Joseon.
Next year, he moved again to Bongbi-ri, Oesongni myeon, and made friends with other patriots, deploring the fact that he could not take revenge of the Japan's atrocity over Joseon. He did not obey the order of the Josen Goveror-General Department of cutting hair in modern style. When the nominal Korean emperor died on January 2, 1918, he wore funeral garments, and killed himself on the burying day of the emperor.
Yun Yeo-ik (1548~1592)
He was voluntary army soldier in the Japanese Invasions period (1592-8). The original place of Yun, his family name, was Papyeong. His nom de plume was Geumjwa. He was very patriotic from childhood.
When the Japanese army invaded the Joseon peninsula, he joined the voluntary army following his teacher Jungbong. Though he contributed to the seizure of Cheongjuseong fortress, he was killed with his teacher at the Geumsan battle. In king Cheoljong era, Chungei Jeongmoon monument was erected in commemoration of him at Hanjung-ri, Maro myeon. His wipae was enshrined in Huyulsa, at Chajeong-ri, Suhan myeon.
Yun Jeong-hun(1881~1921)
He was activist of the independence movement in the Japanese Occupation era. The original place of Yun, his family name, was Papyeong. His nom de plume was Gukeon. He came from Seoji-ri, Nebuk myeon. In late February 1919, he received the Independence Declaration and the secret order to participate in the independence movement from Son Byeong-hi with whom he had maintained close relations. Returning to home village, he persuaded other residents to attend the demonstration, and printed the Declaration and national flag. On April 8, 1919, he led the 'Hurrah Demonstration' in Mumyeongsan mountain, and, thus, was arrested. He was sentenced to 3-year imprisonment at the Gongju Local Court, and spent the years in jail.
In 1977, he was conferred posthumously with the Presidential Prize, and the Patriot Order of Merit of the Order of Merit for National Foundation. In 1979, the commemorative monument was erected by the Hometown Lovers Association of Nebuk myeon.
Lee Guk-seon(1886~1907)
He was born in Andong, and the original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean.
At 9 years old, he came to Boeun by being adopted to Geonmyung at Guin-ri, Songrisan myeon. Though he was healthy and strong from childhood, he could not study because of the family poverty, and worked in farmlands. He was filial to his mother. When he heard that the Joseon emperor was dethroned by the Papan's pressure, he joined the voluntary army against Japan in Songrisan mountain led by Kim Un Ro, and was killed by Japanese soldiers later.
In 1991, he was conferred posthumously with the Patriot Order of Merit of the Order of Merit for National Foundation.
Lee Ryeon)
He was scholar in the late Joseon era. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Yeonong. Though he passed many times local gwageos, he did not seek official jobs, and served his father and taught students at his home village. At Donghak Peasant Revolution times, his house was not attacted by peasants, because of his fame as good scholarship and virtuous behaviors.
Lee Myeong-baek(1552 ~ 1593)
He was the leader of voluntary army in the Japanese Invasions period (1592-8). The original place of Lee, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Hanpoje. He was born in Guam-ri, Tanbu myeon. He surprised people by writing 'Be loyal to the king and serve parents' and saying that to perform them is man's duty.
In 1812, Chungsin Jeongmoon monument was erected in his home village, and, in 1892, he was posthumously conferred with the status of the Minister of Domestic Matters Department by the royal court. His wipae was enshrined in Huyulsa at Chajeong-ri, Suhan myeon.
Lee Myeong-hong(1607 ~ 1669) )
He was scholar in the middle of the Joseon dynasty. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean. His nom de plume was Inbo. He passed Jinsasi gwageo in 1966, and also passed hanseongsi, but did not pursue officialdom, and lived with his brothers in the same village, making friends with local scholars. He was very filial to his parents, staying for three years beside each tomb of parents.
Lee Sa-gyun (1471 ~ 1536)
He was government official in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Gyeongju. His nom de plume was Nulheon. Passing Siknyeon Mungwa gwas geo, he began his official life in 1498. He was banished to Boeun by opposing the recovery of the position of deposed queen. He returned to the official job in 1506 by being released from exile by the political power change in the central government. He was temporarily deposed at the Gimyo Sahwa, scholars purge, because he was considered as belonging to Jo Gwang Jo group which was the target of the sahwa. But he later returned to high government positions. His book is Nulheonjip. He was conferred posthumously the title, Mungang.
Lee Sang-su (1820 ~ 1822)
He was scholar in the late Joseon dynasty. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Jeonju. His nom de plume was Eodang. Though he was poor and physically weak, he went up to Seoul at 15 years old. He was famous for his excellent literature. Living in Hwoein and Gongju, he taught students including Park Munho.
His book is Eodangjip. In 1910, he was awarded posthumously with the title of Gyujanggak Jehak, and the nom de plume, Mungan. His wipae was enshrined in Chuyang Jeongsa at Sinchu-ri, Hwoenam myeon.
Lee Se-jeong (1436 ~ 1516)
He was government official in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Incheon. He studied under Kim Jong Jik, one of the most famous scholars in Joseon, and, passing Samasa gwageo in king Seong era, and entered the officialdom. Serving as head of Cheongdo gun, he was liked by residents so much that, when his job as head of the county was changed with another, hundreds of residents went up to Seoul to appeal for his reassignment to the position.
In the 1498 Muo Sahwa scholar purge, he sent a letter defending his teacher Kim Jong Jik to the king, and was thus exiled to Boeun. Returning to the government position in 1518, he was later appointed to assistant minister of Domestic Affairs Department. His tomb is in Gidae-ri, Maro myeon.
Lee Seung-chil (1850 ~ 1912)
He was patriot in the late Joseon dynasty. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Jeonju. He was born at Bonghwang-ri, Nebuk myeon. Passing the military examination in 1867, he went up in government positions.
When Japanese emperor Meiji died in 1912, Japanese authorities pressured the people to wear mourning dress. He suffered a lot by refusing to do that. Returning home, he could not suppress his anger over the Japanese pressure. He killed himself by falling off the cliff. In 1959, the monument was erected for him at the suicide site by the Nebuk Hometown-Lovers Association. In 1990, he was conferred posthumously with the Patriot Order of Merit of the Order of Merit for National Foundation.
Lee Il-seon (1877 ~ ?)
He was scholar in modern age. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean. His nom de plume was Idoje. He started his official life when he was 27 years old. when king Gojong died, he was part of the team operating the funeral rite. He approached Lee Myeong Ik to discuss the collection of voluntary army against the Japanese authorities.
But, he was arrested by the Japanese police because the discussion was leaked out. He was imprisoned in Cheongju jail. Later, he attended the funeral rite of king Sunjong, son of king Gojong, and was conferred the nom de plume, Idoje, by prince Euichinwang. After that, he retired to Sonnisan mountain never to return to the world.
Idojegi was written by Kim Taek Hyeon, in commemoration of him.
Lee Jun-yeong (1889 ~ 1939)
He was one of the leaders of the 3.1 Independence Movement in 1919. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean. His nom de plume was Songeon. When Japan occupied Joseon in 1910, he climbed to the site of his ancestors' tombs, and cried with his teacher.
Hearing that king Gojong was poisoned to death by Japan in 1918, he put on funeral garments and visited his teacher and write the warning letter to Japan and spreaded it all over the place. He led the Hurrah Independence Movement on March 1, 1919.
Arrested for that, and sentenced 2 year imprisonment. In 1992, he was conferred posthumously with Presidential Prize.
Lee Chang-seon (1895 ~ 1961)
He was one of the leaders of the 3.1 Independence Movement in 1919. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean. He was born at Guin-ri, Jangan myeon. He led the Hurrah Independence Movement on March 1, 1919. And, again, he shouted Hurrah Independence with tens of village residents on Sambongsan mountain at guin-ri, Gilsang-ri on April 11. He was arrested for that.
On May 1, he was sentenced to 6 month imprisonment for violation of the Security Law at the Cheongju branch of the Gongju District Court. He appealed to the higher court, but was dismissed. He spent over one year in jail. In 1990, he was conferred posthumously with the Patriot Order of Merit of the Order of Merit for National Foundation. His tomb is in Gilsang-ri, Boeun eup.
Lee Cheon (1376 ~ 1451)
He was scientist in the king Sejong reign era. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean. His nom de plume was Backgok. He began to serve as a loer ranking soldier at the age of 17 in 1393. He passed the military examination in 1402, and again in 1410.
As military officer, He played an important role in fight back the Japanese pirates, and became to pay attention ot making battle ships. since then, he came to distinguish himself as physicist, and did research on principles of machinery apparatuses.
His nom de plume conferred by the royal court was Ikyang. His monument and Memorial Pavilion are at Ochang-ri, Jangan myeon.
Lee Cheon-ge (1507 ~ 1550)
He was government official in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Sinpyeong. His nom de plume was Gwedang. He was born at Ipyeong-ri, Boeun eup. He passed Siknyeon Mungwa in 1537.
He was famous for his strict personality and deep scholarship. His tomb is in Sanseong-ri, Boeun eup.
Lee Heung-yeol (1863 ~ 1902)
He was hermit scholar at late Old Han era. The original place of Lee, his family name, was Yean. His nom de plume was Hasan. He served as military officer since 1890. By the royal order, he spied on the movement of the riot forces at the Donghak Peasant Revolution times (1884-6).
When hair-cut order from the royal court in the Gapo Revision in 1894-6, he appealed to cancel it. Refused, he resigned from the office and returned to his home village, never to return to the world. His tomb is in Deokdong-ri, Tanbu myeon. The epitaph on his tombstone was composed by Jo Byeong Zeup.
Im Ei-baek (1605 ~ 1667)
The original place of Im, his family name, was Pungcheon. His nom de plume was Geumsidang. He was disciple of Kim Jang Seng. At the time of ching china's Invasions (1636-7), all the governemnt officials carried their families to Ganghwa. But, expecting the defeat of the war, he sent his family members to Chungcheong-do province, saving their lived.
He served in various government positions including the head of Chungcheong-do province in 1665. His tomb is at Mansu-ri, Songnisan myeon.
Choi Su-seong (1408 ~ 1521)
He was government official in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Choi, his family name, was Gangreung. His nom de plume was Wonjeong. He belonged to the school of Kim Gweng Pil, and made friends with Jo Gwang Jo and Kim Jeong. At Gimyo Sahwa, scholars' purge, watching the victimization of his close friends, he retired to the country, and spent his life with liquor, journey, calligraphy, and music.
Gobong Jeongsa at Gwangi-ri, Maro myeon, was the place he and his friends studied. The village name Wonjeong-ri was named after him.
Choi Yeong (1316 ~ 1388)
He was a famous military leader of the Koryeo dynasty. He was physically big and strong.
When Lee Seong Gae, the founding king of the Joseon dynasty, returned his soldiers to the capital, Gaegyeong, while he was supposed to attacked the Ming China army, and came to the capital, he fought against him. Defeated and arrested, he was exiled to Gobong, moved to Happo, then sent under custody to the capital, and killed by decapitation. After founding the new dynasty, Lee Seong Gae consoled his spirit, by conferring him with the nom de plume, Mumin.
Choi Hong-rim (1506 ~ 1581)
He was scholar in the middle of the Joseon dynasty. The original place of Choi, his family name, was Hwasun. His nom de plume was Gedang. After Eulsa Sahwa, scholars purge, he hired to Geumjeoksan mountain.
His tomb is in Gwangchon-ri, Suhan myeon.
Hong Yunseong (1425~1475)
He was government official in the early Joseon dynasty. The original place of Hong, his family name, was Hwoein. His nom de plume was Yeonghae. He passed the military part of siknyeon Mungwa in 1450, and served in various military positions. He was conferred posthumously with nom de plume, Wipyeong.