A figure that many people might know about in Korea is 신사임당 (Shin Saimdang). Real name 신인선 (Shin In-seon) and also known as 어진 (Eojin: Wise Mother) was a female Korean artist, writer, calligraphist, and poet during the Joseon Dynasty. She was born in 1504 and was regarded as a model for her Confucian ideals on women, the main belief system in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty.
However, she’s mostly known as being the devoted mother of her son 이이 (Yi I), who became one of the most prominent Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty. His mother was able to set a strong foundation for Confucian values, emphasizing the importance of education, moral integrity, and piety. Her teachings to him provided the ethical framework that guided Yi I's personal and intellectual development. Shin Saimdang's own artistic talents also inspired Yi I and fostered his appreciation for the natural world. Her paintings and calligraphy likely influenced his own artistic sensibilities and aesthetic philosophy as he became a scholar.
Furthermore, Shin Saimdang was able to influence women in Korean Confucianism during the time. Through her persistence, commitment to education, and artistic achievements, she challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes, demonstrating that women could maintain Confucian values while pursuing intellectual and creative achievements as well. As a devoted mother, she imparted Confucian ethics of piety and family harmony to her children, emphasizing the importance of moral responsibility and respect for elders. However, while doing this she was able to break through with her work in art and poems. Part of this was because she had no brothers, allowing her to live at her father’s home who helped and taught her how to do these things.
Shin Saimdang's legacy continues to be celebrated in South Korea, where she is revered as a national icon and an inspiration for women in the arts and academia. She has been honored on South Korean currency, and her image is depicted on the 50,000 won bill. In fact, her son Yi I is also on the Korean paper currency as the 1000 won bill. On the back of the currency, her art work is also displayed, enabling people to remember her not as just the mother of Yi I, but also as someone who was able to be independent and choose her own life. Additionally, her life and achievements have been portrayed in various works of literature, film, and television, further cementing her place in Korean cultural history.
50000 won bill
Top: front of the bill
Bottom: back of the bill
Comments
This was really interesting to learn about. When I was Korea, I have noticed the beautiful artwork and figures but did not really know the history behind them. It is nice to know that there are women represented on the korean won, which is something you do not see on the US bills.
I have seen and used the 50,000 won bill many times and never knew the story behind it. Her story is inspiring, and it is no surprise that she is remembered so fondly 500 years later.