박지원 朴趾源

Late Joseon Silhak scholar and prose master; leading figure of the Northern Learning (Bukhak) school; art name Yeonam (燕巖)

Life & career

Of the Bannam Park clan, his art name was Yeonam (燕巖). As the leader of the Northern Learning (Bukhak) school (the school of practical use and benefit to the people), he sought to learn the advanced culture of Qing China in order to reform the realities of Joseon.

After traveling on a diplomatic mission to Qing China in 1780, he wrote the Jehol Diary (Yeolha Ilgi) based on his observations, advocating the theory of practical use and benefit to the people (iyong husaeng). Through Chinese-language novels such as "The Tale of Master Heo" (Heosaengjeon), "The Tale of a Yangban" (Yangbanjeon), and "The Tiger's Rebuke" (Hojil), he sharply satirized the contradictions of yangban society.

In his later years he served as a provincial official, including Magistrate of Anui-hyeon, Governor of Myeoncheon-gun, and Prefect of Yangyang. His grandson Park Gyu-su (1807-1877) was a pioneer of enlightenment thought who served as Right State Councillor.

Grave

Daesehyeon, Songseo-myeon, Jangdan-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Descendants

His grandson Park Gyu-su (朴珪壽, 1807-1877), who served as Right State Councillor, was a pioneer of enlightenment thought.

Other 반남 박씨 figures