Research project of ” The Study of 16th Century Chinese Poetry in Korea”
This study takes the Chinese poetry works of the Joseon Dynasty in the 16th century as the research object, in which it examines the distinctive literary themes and connotations that were reflected in Han poetry. Through the lens of literature and history, this study deeply elucidates the correlation between Han poetry and the important social events in Korea and East Asian society during the 16th century.
The Great Joseon State in the 16th century was ruled by King Jungjong (reigned 1506-1544), King Myeongjong (reigned 1545-1567), and King Seonjo (reigned 1567-1608). During this period, the internal contradictions within the ruling class had led to a purge of many Confucian scholars. From 1592 to 1598, it experienced nearly seven years of Imjin War. Under the fierce social contradictions, with the growth of scholars, the period of King Seonjo ushered in the heyday of Han literature, known as the “Flourishing Era of Mokneung(穆陵)”. Many poems were published, and many schools of poetry were established.
This study aims to evaluate the Han poetry of Yangban Classes represented by Im Je, Lee Hwang, Lee Yi and Lee Ho Min. In their aristocratic literature works, the poet’s restless and struggling sentiments were driven by the anti-Japanese war，the internal contradictions of the ruling class and the development of neo-Confucianism.
This study also examines the Han poetry composed by the stratum委巷階層, which were represented by Baek Daebong and Lee Heekyung. These populists’ literature works showed the connection between ideas, such as the underachievement of social and social economic development and structure.
Finally, it investigates the female writers of Han poetry, such as Shin Saimdang, Heolan Seolheon, Hwang Jin Yi, and Lee Mae-chang. Their works displayed the relationship among the idea of woman, neo-Confucianism, love and war.