이서 李𥳕

Scholar and official who studied under Jeong Gu, founded Hoeyeon Seowon and published the Hangang Collection; courtesy name Ijik, pen name Dongho, called Master Deogyo

Life & career

Yi Seo (李𥳕, 1566-1651) was a mid-to-late Joseon official and scholar of the Gwangsan seat, courtesy name Ijik (以直) and pen name Dongho (東湖). His father was Yi Hong-u, magistrate of Jincheon, and his mother a Jinju Gang, daughter of Gang Gae, a Dongbu Chambong. He studied under Jeong Gu. Many other people share the name Yi Seo, so take care not to confuse this Gwangsan Yi with them.

In 1605 (Seonjo 38) he passed the jinsa exam in second place and, recommended, briefly served as Hwangsan postal officer. When his teacher was pushed out by powerful officials and returned home, he gave up the ambition for office and stayed with him in Seongju, lecturing together and compiling the Oseonsaeng Yeseol, a collection of ritual theories of Song Confucians.

When his teacher died in 1620 (Gwanghaegun 12), he observed three years of mourning, built Hoeyeon Seowon and its stele pavilion, and published the Hangang Collection. In 1626 (Injo 4) he was named Sachuk-seo Byeolje and in 1627 was promoted to rank 6 for guarding the king in the Manchu invasion. He was later appointed Hwarinseo Byeolje and Uigeumbu Dosa but did not take up either; in old age he taught younger scholars in his hometown Seungho and edited his teacher's Hangang Eonhaengnok.

After his death his students called him Master Deogyo (德耀先生), and he was enshrined at Hoeyeon Seowon in Seongju with his teacher and father. His writings include the Dongho Munjip in 3 volumes and 2 books. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture also lists the Gyeongsanji among its references.

Seongju with His Teacher Jeong Gu

After his teacher was pushed out by powerful officials and returned to Seongju, Yi Seo gave up the ambition for office and lectured with him. He is said to have edited the Oseonsaeng Yeseol, gathering ritual theories of Song Confucians, in this period.

Hoeyeon Seowon and the Hangang Collection

When his teacher died in 1620 he kept three years of mourning, built Hoeyeon Seowon and its stele pavilion, and published the Hangang Collection. Hoeyeon Seowon in Seongju is presented today as part of the Third Scenic View of Seongju (Hoeyeon Seowon and Mugeul Gugok), and Yi Seo is enshrined there.

The Manchu Invasion and Later Years

He rose to rank 6 for guarding the king in the 1627 Manchu invasion but declined later appointments. In old age he taught younger scholars at home and edited the Hangang Eonhaengnok.

Grave

The location of his tomb could not be confirmed. He is enshrined at Hoeyeon Seowon in Seongju.

Other 광산 이씨 figures