View source for Yi I

{{Short description|Korean Confucian scholar (1536–1584)}}
{{About|the 16th century Korean scholar|the DDG 992 ''Yulgok Yi I'' ship|ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992)}}
{{Redirect|I I|other uses|II (disambiguation)}}
{{family name hatnote|[[Lee (Korean name)|Yi]]||lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox Korean name/auto
| img = 
| hangul = %이이
| hanja = 李珥
| hangulja = %_숙헌
| hanjaja = 叔獻
| hangulho = %_율곡
| hanjaho = 栗谷
}}
'''Yi I''' ({{korean|이이|李珥}};<ref>{{cite web |title=Joya hoetong |url=http://yoksa.aks.ac.kr/jsp/aa/VolView.jsp?aa10no=kh2_je_a_vsu_20097_037&aa15no=037&aa20no=20097_037_0012 |access-date=2020-02-14 |publisher=Jangseogak Royal Archives}}</ref> 1536–1584) was a Korean philosopher, writer, and [[Korean Confucianism|Confucian]] scholar of the [[Joseon]] period.<ref>Daehwan, Noh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110614035130/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML43412.html "The Eclectic Development of Neo-Confucianism and Statecraft from the 18th to the 19th Century,"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614035130/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML43412.html |date=June 14, 2011 }} ''Korea Journal.'' Winter 2003.</ref> Yi is often referred to by his [[art name]] '''Yulgok''' ("[[Chestnut]] valley"). He was also a politician<ref name="yi i doosan">{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=127580 Yi I] at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref> and was the academical successor of [[Cho Kwangjo]].

== Biography ==
Yi was born in [[Gangneung]], [[Gangwon-do (South Korea)|Gangwon Province]] in 1536 into the {{Ill|Deoksu Yi clan|ko|덕수 이씨}}. His father was a Left Second [[State Council of Joseon|State Councillor]] ({{Korean|hangul=좌찬성|rr=jwachanseong|labels=no}}) Yi Won-su, and his mother, [[Shin Saimdang]], was an accomplished artist and [[calligraphy|calligrapher]]. He was the grandnephew of [[Yi Ki]], [[Yŏngŭijŏng|Chief State Councilor]] from 1549 to 1551.{{citation needed|date=January 2012}}

In his early years, he was a student of [[Baik In-geol|Baek In-geol]], the successor of [[Cho Kwangjo]]. It is said that by the age of seven he had finished his lessons in the [[Confucian]] classics, and passed the Civil Service literary examination at the age of 13. Yi secluded himself in [[Kumgang-san]] following his mother's death when he was 16 and stayed for 3 years, studying [[Buddhism]]. He left the mountains at 20 and devoted himself to studying [[Neo-Confucianism]].<ref name="yi i aks">{{in lang|ko}} [http://people.aks.ac.kr/front/tabCon/ppl/pplView.aks?pplId=PPL_6JOa_A1536_1_0010341&isEQ=true&kristalSearchArea=true Yi I] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220114017/http://people.aks.ac.kr/front/tabCon/ppl/pplView.aks?pplId=PPL_6JOa_A1536_1_0010341&isEQ=true&kristalSearchArea=true |date=2016-12-20 }} at The Academy of Korean Studies</ref><ref name="yi i ekc">{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=251870&v=44] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610014537/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=251870&v=44|date=2011-06-10}} at Encyclopedia of Korean Culture</ref>

He married at 22, and visited [[Yi Hwang]] at [[Dosan Seowon|Dosan]] the following year. He passed special exams with top honors with a winning thesis titled {{Transliteration|ko|rr|Cheondochaek}} ({{Korean|hangul=천도책|hanja=天道策|labels=no|lit=''Book on the Way of Heaven''}}), which was widely regarded as a literary masterpiece, displaying his knowledge of history and the Confucian [[philosophy]] of politics, and also reflecting his profound knowledge of [[Taoism]].<ref>Lee Eunjik(이은직) translated by Jeong Hongjun(정홍준), ''Great Joseon Masters'' Vol.2 (조선명인전 2) p35, Ilbit Publishing, Seoul, 2005. {{ISBN|89-5645-087-0}}</ref> He continuously received top honors on civil exams for a consecutive 9 times. His father died when he was 26.<ref name="yi i doosan" /> He served in various positions in government from the age of 29, and visited the [[Ming dynasty]] as {{Transliteration|ko|rr|seojanggwan}} ({{Korean|hangul=서장관|hanja=書狀官|labels=no|lit=document officer}}) in 1568. He also participated in the writing of the ''[[Myeongjong of Joseon|Myeongjong]] Annals'' and at 34, authored ''Dongho Mundap'', an eleven-article political memorial devoted to clarifying his conviction that a righteous government could be achieved.<ref name="Dongho Mundap">{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=50749 Dongho Mundap]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref>

Due to his vast experience in different offices over the years, Yi was able to garner a wide vision of politics and with the deep trust of the king, became one of the central figures of politics by the time he was 40. His many documents and theses were presented to the royal court but when political conflicts escalated in 1576, his efforts proved fruitless and he returned home. Following his return, he devoted his time to studies and education of his disciples and authored several books.<ref name="yi i doosan" />

He returned to office at 69 and while holding various minister positions, produced many writings which recorded crucial political events and showed his efforts to ease the political conflicts that were rampant at that time. However, [[Seonjo of Joseon|King Seonjo]] was noncommittal in his attitude and it became difficult for Yi to remain in a neutral position in the conflicts. He left office in 1583 and died the following year.<ref name="yi i doosan" />

According to legend, he had a pavilion built near the ford of the [[Imjin River]] in his lifetime and instructed his heirs to set it ablaze when the king had to flee northward from [[Seoul]], to provide a guiding beacon. This took place during Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea at the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)]].<ref>Choi Beomseo (최범서), ''Unofficial History of Joseon Vol. 2'' p52, Garam Publishing, Seoul, 2003.  {{ISBN|89-8435-143-1}}</ref>

==Teachings==
Yi was not only known as a philosopher but also as a social reformer. He did not completely agree with the dualistic [[Neo-Confucianism]] teachings followed by [[Yi Hwang]]. His school of [[Neo-Confucianism]] placed emphasis on the more concrete, material elements; rather than inner spiritual perception, this practical and pragmatic approach valued external experience and learning.<ref>Lee Hyun-hee, Park Sung-soo, Yoon Nae-hyun, translated by The Academy of Korean Studies, ''New History of Korea'' p393, Jimoondang, Paju, 2005. {{ISBN|89-88095-85-5}}</ref> Unlike [[Yi Hwang]], who suffered through tumultuous times and did not enjoy being in politics, Yi was an active official who thought it important to implement Confucian values and principles to government administration. He emphasized sage learning and self-cultivation as the base of proper administration.<ref name="yi i aks"/><ref name="yi i ekc"/>

Yi is also well known for his foresight about [[national security]]. He proposed to draft and reinforce the army against a possible Japanese attack. His proposal was rejected by the central government. He died afterwards, before the start of the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)|Imjin war]].<ref name="yi i ekc"/>

==Selected works==
These are some of Yi's published writings:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oclc.org/research/activities/identities/default.htm|title=WorldCat Identities|website=www.oclc.org|date=20 January 2022 }}</ref>
*''Questions and Answers at East Lake'' ({{Korean|hangul=동호문답|hanja=東湖問答|labels=no}}) - Eleven articles about political reform.<ref name="Dongho Mundap"/>
*''Memorial in Ten Thousand Words'' ({{Korean|hangul=만언봉사|hanja=萬言封事|labels=no}}) - Suggestions about Confucian learning, self-cultivation, and application to government administration.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=59726 Maneon Bongsa]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref>
*''The Essentials of the Studies of the Sages'' ({{Korean|hangul=성학집요|hanja=聖學輯要|labels=no}}) - Fundamentals of Confucian ethics, self-cultivation and statecraft.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=92453 Seonhak Jibyo] at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref>
*''The Secret of Expelling Ignorance'' ({{Korean|hangul=격몽요결|hanja=擊蒙要訣|labels=no}}) - Systematic guide of learning.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=9208 Gyeokmong Yogyel] at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref>
*''Daily Records of Lectures before the Throne'' ({{Korean|hangul=경연일기|hanja=經筵日記|labels=no}}) - Record of political events and happenings.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=10676 Gyeongyeon Ilgi]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref>
*''The Complete Works of Yulgok'' ({{Korean|hangul=율곡전서|hanja=栗谷全書|labels=no}}) was compiled after his death on the basis of the writings he bequeathed.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=123949 Yulgok Jeonseo]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref>

==Legacy==
[[File:5000 won serieV obverse.jpeg|right|250px|thumb|Yi on the currently circulating 5,000 [[South Korean won|won]] note]]
Yulgongno, a street in central Seoul, is named after him,<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=854763 Yulgongno]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at [[Doosan Encyclopedia]]</ref> and he is depicted on the [[South Korea]]n 5,000 [[South Korean won|won]] note.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} [http://terms.naver.com/item.nhn?dirId=701&docId=8770 Money bill designs] at [[Naver]] dictionary</ref> The [[Taekwon-Do]] pattern [[International Taekwondo Federation#Patterns|Yul-Gok]] was also named in his honor. This is the pattern required to advance from 5th geup (급) green belt with blue tag to 4th geup blue belt. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th degree latitude.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taekwondo-information.org/yul-gok.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602072451/http://www.taekwondo-information.org/yul-gok.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2010-06-02|title=Yulgok Taekwondo pattern}}</ref> The "Yulgok Project", a modernization project for the South Korean military, is named after him as well.<ref>Cha Yeonggu (차영구), ''Theory and Actuality of National Defense Policies'' (국방정책의 이론과 실제) p86, Oruem, Seoul, 2002. {{ISBN|89-7778-156-6}}.</ref>

==Family==
*Father: Yi Won-su ({{Korean|hangul=이원수|hanja=李元秀|labels=no}}; 1501–1561)
**Grandfather: Yi Cheon ({{Korean|hangul=이천|labels=no}})
*Mother: [[Sin Saimdang|Shin Saimdang]] ({{Korean|hangul=신사임당|labels=no}}; 1504–1551)
**Grandfather: Shin Myeong-hwa ({{Korean|hangul=신명화|hanja=申命和|labels=no}})
**Grandmother: Lady Yi of the Yongin Yi clan ({{Korean|hangul=용인 이씨|hanja=龍仁 李氏|labels=no}})
* Siblings
** Older brother: Yi Seon ({{Korean|hangul=이선|labels=no}})
** Older sister: Yi Mae-chang ({{Korean|hangul=이매창|hanja=李梅窓|labels=no}}), Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan
** Older brother: Yi Byeon ({{Korean|hangul=이번|labels=no}})
** Older sister: Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan ({{Korean|hangul=덕수 이씨|hanja=德水 李氏|labels=no}})
** Younger sister: Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan ({{Korean|hangul=덕수 이씨|hanja=德水 李氏|labels=no}})
** Younger brother: Yi Woo ({{Korean|hangul=이우|hanja=李瑀|labels=no}}; 1542–1609)
*Wife and children:
** Lady No of the [[Goksan No clan]] ({{Korean|hangul=곡산 노씨|labels=no}}; ? – 1592)
*** Daughter: Lady Yi ({{Korean|hangul=이씨|labels=no}})
**** Son-in-law: [[Kim Jip]] ({{Korean|hangul=김집|hanja=金集|labels=no}}; 1574–1656)
***** Grandson: Kim Ik-hyeong ({{Korean|hangul=김익형|hanja=金益炯|labels=no}})
***** Grandson: Kim Ik-ryeon ({{Korean|hangul=김익련|hanja=金益煉|labels=no}})
* Concubines
** Lady Kim ({{Korean|hangul=김씨|labels=no}})
** Lady Yi of the Gyeongju Yi clan ({{Korean|hangul=경주 이씨|hanja=慶州 李氏|labels=no}})

==Popular culture==
* Portrayed by [[Jung Joon-won (actor, born 2004)|Jung Joon-won]] in the 2017 [[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] TV series ''[[Saimdang, Memoir of Colors]]''.

==See also==
*[[Korean Confucianism]]
*[[Yi Hwang]]
*[[Korean philosophy]]
*[[List of Joseon people|List of Joseon dynasty people]]
*[[History of Korea]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}
{{Commons category|Yi I}}
{{wikisource|Author:Yi I}}

==References==
* Chung, Edward Y. J. (1995). ''The Korean Neo-Confucianism of Yi Tʻoegye and Yi Yulgok: a Reappraisal of the 'Four-Seven Thesis' and its Practical Implications for Self-Cultivation''<!-- pp 26-32 -->. Albany: State University of New York Press. {{ISBN|9780791422755}}; {{ISBN|9780791422762}}; [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/30594574  OCLC 30594574]
* Daehwan, Noh. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110614035130/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML43412.html "The Eclectic Development of Neo-Confucianism and Statecraft from the 18th to the 19th Century,"] ''Korea Journal.'' Winter 2003.
* Haboush, JaHyun Kim and [[Martina Deuchler]]. (1999). ''Culture and the State in Late Chosŏn Korea.'' Cambridge: Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|9780674179820}}; [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/40926015  OCLC 40926015]
* Lee, Peter H. (1993). ''Sourcebook of Korean Civilization,'' Vol. 1. New York: Columbia University Press. {{ISBN|9780231079129}}; {{ISBN|9780231079143}}; {{ISBN|9780231104449}}; [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/26353271  OCLC 26353271]

== External links ==
*[http://www.yulgok.or.kr/ Yulgok Academy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110722141402/http://www.ojukheon.or.kr/museum/main.jsp Ojukheon & Gangneung Municipal Museum]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110614020101/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML4244.html Yulgok and the Logic of Li and Qi]
*[http://homepage.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sven.k.herbers-lee/dateien/ygyy.html Selected bibliography]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yi, I}}
[[Category:1536 births]]
[[Category:1584 deaths]]
[[Category:16th-century Korean writers]]
[[Category:Korean Confucianists]]
[[Category:16th-century Korean philosophers]]
[[Category:People from Gangneung]]
[[Category:16th-century pseudonymous writers]]
[[Category:Joseon jangwon]]