이항로 李恒老

Neo-Confucian scholar who taught at Byeokgye and laid the foundation of the Wijeong Cheoksa movement; pen name Hwaseo

Life & career

Yi Hang-ro (李恒老, 1792-1868) was a late-Joseon Confucian scholar, courtesy name Isul (而述), pen name Hwaseo (華西), clan seat Byeokjin, from Pocheon, Gyeonggi. He is said to have learned the Thousand Character Classic at three and the Shiba Lüe at six.

In 1840 under Heonjong he was recommended as a scholar versed in the classics and histories and appointed Hwigyeongwon Chambong, but gave up office and taught younger scholars at his home in Byeokgye. In 1864 under Gojong he was recommended by Left State Councillor Jo Du-sun and rose through Jangwonseo Byeoljae and Jeolla Dosa to Vice Minister of Works.

A master of Neo-Confucianism, his works include the 60-volume Hwadong Yeoksa Happyeon Gangmok, the 12-volume Byeokgye Eoan and the Jujadaejeon Jabuijip. He taught Choe Ik-hyeon, and the woodblocks of the Hwaseo Seonsaeng Aeon are designated Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 348.

Works and Heritage

His works include the Hwadong Yeoksa Happyeon Gangmok (60 volumes), Byeokgye Eoan (12 volumes) and Jujadaejeon Jabuijip, and the Hwaseo Seonsaeng Aeon woodblocks are Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 348.

Descendants

See also the Byeokjin Yi clan page.

Other 벽진 이씨 figures