Song Si-yŏl

Who is this?

Song Si-yŏl (Korean: 송시열; 1607–1689), also known by his art names Uam (우암) and Ujae (우재) or by the honorific Master Song (송자; 宋子; Songja), was a Korean philosopher and politician. Born in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province, he was known for his concern with the problems of the common people. He served in governmental service for more than fifty years, and his name features over 3,000 times in the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty, the greatest frequency that any individual is mentioned. He was executed by the royal court for writing an inflammatory letter to the king. There is a monument to him in his hometown. He is also known as the calligrapher who inscribed an epitaph (Chungyeolmyobi Takboncheop) in dedication of Admiral Yi Sunsin, which is preserved at the Chungnyeolsa Shrine (historical site No. 236). He was from the Eunjin Song clan and was close friends with one of his distant relatives, Song Chun-gil.

Career

1. 1607
   Born
2. 1689
   Passed away
3. Member of Noron
4. Member of The eighteen sages of Korea

Trivia

• •Place of birth: Okcheon County
• •Citizenship: Joseon
• •Known as: philosopher, autobiographer, politician, poet