Yi Maechang
Yi Mae-chang (1573-1610), born Yi Hyang-geum (이향금, 李香今), was a famed kisaeng of the Buan area during the Joseon Dynasty. She was known by Maechang (매창, 梅窓), Gyesaeng (계생, 桂生/癸生), and Gyerang (계랑, 桂娘/癸娘).
| Yi Maechang | |
| Hangul | 이매창 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 李梅窓 |
| Revised Romanization | I Mae-chang |
| McCune–Reischauer | I Mae-ch'ang |
Biography
She was born to a man Yi Tang-jong (이탕종, 李湯從) who was the mayor of Buan-hyeon (now Buan County) in North Jeolla Province, and an unnamed woman.
She was noted for her talent in playing the geomungo (a zither-like instrument related to the Chinese Guqin 古琴) and composing sijo and other poetry. As Hwang Jin-yi was known as one of the three wonders of Songdo, Mae-chang was known as one of the three wonders of Byeoksan.
One line from her Sijo remains, saying:
“Yi Hwa-woo, who broke up with me while crying
Do you think of me in the autumn leaves too?
A thousand miles away, only dreams come and go.”
(이화우 흣뿌릴 제 울며 잡고 이별한 님.
추풍 낙엽에 저도 날 생각난가?
천리에 외로온 꿈만 오락가락 하노매)
Her grave is preserved in Buan County, North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
See also
References
- Hwang, Won-gap (황원갑). (1997). 한국사를 바꾼 여인들 (Hanguksareul bakkun yeoindeul) (The women who changed Korean history). Seoul: 책이있는마을. ISBN 89-5639-014-2