Yi Hwang

1501 – 1570

Yi Hwang (1501-1570), known by his pen name Toegye, was one of the two most eminent Neo-Confucian scholars of Joseon Korea. He developed an influential interpretation of Zhu Xi's philosophy centered on the primacy of principle (i), and his academy at Dosan became a leading center of learning. His portrait appears on the South Korean 1,000-won banknote.

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Life events

Born in Ongye-ri, Andong, in Gyeongsang Province
1501

Yi Hwang was born in 1501 into a yangban family of the Jinbo Yi clan; his father died when he was an infant.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Began studying the Confucian classics under his uncle Yi U
c. 1512

As a boy Yi Hwang studied under his uncle and showed early devotion to the works of Zhu Xi and the Confucian canon.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Entered the national Confucian academy Sungkyunkwan
1523

In 1523 Yi Hwang went to Hanseong to study at Sungkyunkwan, the highest educational institution of Joseon.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Passed the civil service examination and entered government service
1534

Yi Hwang passed the higher civil service examination in 1534 and began an official career that included posts in the royal secretariat and provincial administration.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Withdrew from court politics to his home region of Toegye
1546

Disillusioned by factional purges, Yi Hwang increasingly retired from office from 1546, taking his pen name from the Toegye stream near his retreat.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Conducted the Four-Seven Debate with Gi Dae-seung
1559 – 1566

From 1559 Yi Hwang engaged in a famous philosophical correspondence on the Four Beginnings and Seven Emotions, a landmark of Korean Neo-Confucian thought.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded Dosan Seodang, the school that became Dosan Seowon
1561

In 1561 Yi Hwang established his study hall at Dosan in Andong, which after his death grew into one of Korea's most prestigious Confucian academies.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Presented the Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning to King Seonjo
1568

In 1568 Yi Hwang composed the Seonghak sipdo, a concise diagrammatic summary of Neo-Confucian learning for the young king.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at his home near Dosan
1570

Yi Hwang died in 1570 (early 1571 by some calendar conversions) and was posthumously honored with the highest state offices and the temple name Munsun.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓