In the novel Janghwa Hongryeon, two sisters who were wrongfully killed confront the governor. Most people faint immediately upon seeing ghosts… except one.
In the novel Janghwa Hongryeon, two sisters who were wrongfully killed confront the governor. Most people faint immediately upon seeing ghosts… except one.
In a late-Joseon folktale, three Seonbi(scholars) accidentally end up in the underworld, where the King of the Dead generously offers to grant their wishes for the next life.
In a late-Joseon folktale, three Seonbi(scholars) accidentally end up in the underworld, where the King of the Dead generously offers to grant their wishes for the next life.
Chunhyangjeon, one of Joseon’s most iconic novels, features a hero who passes the state exam, becomes a secret royal inspector, and swoops in to save his beloved. Reality… was not quite that convenient.
Chunhyangjeon, one of Joseon’s most iconic novels, features a hero who passes the state exam, becomes a secret royal inspector, and swoops in to save his beloved. Reality… was not quite that convenient.
In Korean folk, the “grim reaper” wasn’t imagined as a dark cosmic entity but more like… a government office worker on duty.
In Korean folk, the “grim reaper” wasn’t imagined as a dark cosmic entity but more like… a government office worker on duty.
Korea’s ancient foundation myths usually feature founders born from magical eggs. …With a few notable “exceptions.”
Korea’s ancient foundation myths usually feature founders born from magical eggs. …With a few notable “exceptions.”
“The Cloud Dream of the Nine” is a Joseon-era novel featuring heroes, harems, and dream-world fantasy. Though written in Korea, its setting is a fictionalized Tang China.
“The Cloud Dream of the Nine” is a Joseon-era novel featuring heroes, harems, and dream-world fantasy. Though written in Korea, its setting is a fictionalized Tang China.
The Most Effective Way to Handle Absolute Nonsense 1768.05.11
The Most Effective Way to Handle Absolute Nonsense 1768.05.11
Sept 25, 1609 — Something Strange Over Gangwon Province
Sept 25, 1609 — Something Strange Over Gangwon Province
In late Joseon, widespread corruption in taxation and welfare systems — known collectively as the disorder of the three administrations (삼정의 문란) — became a major social problem.
In late Joseon, widespread corruption in taxation and welfare systems — known collectively as the disorder of the three administrations (삼정의 문란) — became a major social problem.
Won Gyun was the man Yi Sun-sin despised most—Yi even called him a “fiend” in his diary. When Yi Sun-sin was removed from command, Won Gyun took over and almost completely destroyed the Joseon navy.
Won Gyun was the man Yi Sun-sin despised most—Yi even called him a “fiend” in his diary. When Yi Sun-sin was removed from command, Won Gyun took over and almost completely destroyed the Joseon navy.
In late Joseon, cavalrymen had to perform masangjae—acrobatics on horseback—as part of their promotion exam.
In late Joseon, cavalrymen had to perform masangjae—acrobatics on horseback—as part of their promotion exam.
The Wanli Emperor of the Ming dynasty is famous for being an incompetent ruler who neglected his duties for 30 years. However, when the Imjin War broke out, he stepped up to help Joseon, earning him the nickname “Goryeo Emperor .”
The Wanli Emperor of the Ming dynasty is famous for being an incompetent ruler who neglected his duties for 30 years. However, when the Imjin War broke out, he stepped up to help Joseon, earning him the nickname “Goryeo Emperor .”
Seokguram Grotto had been neglected for a long time, and both the Japanese Empire and the Republic of Korea carried out restoration attempts—each with… mixed results.
Seokguram Grotto had been neglected for a long time, and both the Japanese Empire and the Republic of Korea carried out restoration attempts—each with… mixed results.
The French envoy to Joseon once noted how different the two countries’ nose-blowing habits were.
The French envoy to Joseon once noted how different the two countries’ nose-blowing habits were.
Joseon respected Ming China as its superior state,but sometimes… it had thoughts about their culture.
Joseon respected Ming China as its superior state,but sometimes… it had thoughts about their culture.
In Joseon, there was a method of execution called Sahyak(Medicine granted by the king, poison) — though it wasn’t an official form of punishment.
In Joseon, there was a method of execution called Sahyak(Medicine granted by the king, poison) — though it wasn’t an official form of punishment.
King Munjong's Marriage Saga
King Munjong's Marriage Saga
Sabangji, an intersex nobi from the Joseon Dynasty, secretly had relationships with multiple women—including his master’s daughter—before being discovered and exiled to the frontier.
Sabangji, an intersex nobi from the Joseon Dynasty, secretly had relationships with multiple women—including his master’s daughter—before being discovered and exiled to the frontier.
Taejo of Goryeo, founder of the Goryeo dynasty, strengthened his rule by marrying 29 daughters of regional lords.
Taejo of Goryeo, founder of the Goryeo dynasty, strengthened his rule by marrying 29 daughters of regional lords.
During the Rebellion of Yi Injwa, General Oh Myeong-hang boosted his troops’ morale by sharing rice porridge with them and even snoring loudly in the rain before battle.
During the Rebellion of Yi Injwa, General Oh Myeong-hang boosted his troops’ morale by sharing rice porridge with them and even snoring loudly in the rain before battle.
Jang Bung-ik is known for leading a massive crackdown on Geomgye, a professional crime syndicate involved in murder, robbery, and extortion.
Low-ranking members of the group were often punished by having their Achilles tendons cut.
Jang Bung-ik is known for leading a massive crackdown on Geomgye, a professional crime syndicate involved in murder, robbery, and extortion.
Low-ranking members of the group were often punished by having their Achilles tendons cut.
In the past, people believed that a falling star or meteor was an omen — a sign that something significant was about to happen.
Silla, Queen Seondeok period
In the past, people believed that a falling star or meteor was an omen — a sign that something significant was about to happen.
Silla, Queen Seondeok period
After the death of his queen, King Gongmin of Goryeo fell into deep grief. In his later years, he displayed eccentric behavior — sometimes dressing like his late wife or ordering his male attendants to sleep with his concubines.
After the death of his queen, King Gongmin of Goryeo fell into deep grief. In his later years, he displayed eccentric behavior — sometimes dressing like his late wife or ordering his male attendants to sleep with his concubines.
Sometimes, a small spark can turn centuries of memory into ash.
Sometimes, a small spark can turn centuries of memory into ash.
Rule of Hullyeondogam(Joseon elite force)
Rule of Hullyeondogam(Joseon elite force)