Political factions in Joseon Dynasty
Encyclopedia
The Bungdang refers to political factionalism that was characteristic of Middle and Late Joseon Dynasty
. Throughout the dynasty, various regional and ideological factions struggled for dominance in the political system. Village Seowon
, which combined the functions of Confucian shrines with educational institutions, often reflected the factional alignment of the local elite.
During the earlier period of Joseon in 15th and 16th century, tension between the Hungu faction in the Capital and the Yeongnam
-based Sarim
faction dominated national politics, which culminated in a series of four bloody purges
between 1498 and 1545, in which Sarim faction was persecuted by the Hungu faction. Following these setbacks, the Sarim faction withdrew to rural provinces where they maintained power base and idealogical continuity through Seowon
and Hyang'yak
(a system of social contract that gave local autonomy to villages). Eventually, Hungu faction declined without ideological successor to replace it while Sarim faction emerged as the dominant faction during the reign of Seonjo
.
In the 16th century, a nationwide split occurred within the Sarim faction between the Western faction (Seo-in) and Eastern faction (Dong-in), composed mainly of younger generation. Political divisions intensified even further as the Eastern faction in turn split between the hard-line Northern faction (Buk-in) and the moderate Southern faction (Nam-in) and the Western factions split between the Old Learning (Noron) and the Young Learning (Soron). Northern faction further split into Greatern Northern and Smaller Northern factions. These names for faction often come from relative location of its leader's house.
These factional splits grew out of allegiance to different philosophical schools and regional differences.
For instance, Easten faction was largely Youngnam-based, and its subfaction Southerners were mainly followers of Yi Hwang
while Northerners coalesced around the school of Jo Shik. Gyeonggi and Chungcheong-based Western faction were largely followers of Yi I
, of which followers of Seong Hon split to form Soron faction and while So Siyeol's followers became Noron faction. These divisions were often further driven by questions concerning royal succession or appropriate royal conduct. For example, the split between the Northerners and Southerners was driven by debate over the proper successor to Seonjo, who had no legitimate son. The Northerners came to support the Gwanghaegun
; accordingly, they flourished under his reign (1608–1623) but were swept from power by the Westerners after the succession of Injo
.
Under the reigns of Yeongjo
and Jeongjo
in the 18th century, the kings pursued a strict politcy of equality, favoring no faction over another. However, in Jeongjo's reign, strife re-emerged as the ruling Noron faction split further between the Byeokpa and Sipa, two groups which cut across the earlier factions and differed in their attitudes concerning Yeongjo's murder of his son, who was also Jeongjo's father. In the 19th century, Joseon politics shifted as in-law families rather than scholarly factions came to dominate the throne. For most of the 19th century, the Jangdong branch of the Andong Kim
clan was in control of the government; however, there was a brief interlude in which control shifted to the Pungyang Cho
clan.
With the end of the reign of Heungseon Daewongun, factional politics started declining and completely disappeared in the 19th century.
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
. Throughout the dynasty, various regional and ideological factions struggled for dominance in the political system. Village Seowon
Seowon
Seowon were the most common educational institution of Korea during the mid- to late Joseon Dynasty. They were private institutions, and combined the functions of a Confucian shrine and a preparatory school. In educational terms, the seowon were primarily occupied with preparing students for the...
, which combined the functions of Confucian shrines with educational institutions, often reflected the factional alignment of the local elite.
During the earlier period of Joseon in 15th and 16th century, tension between the Hungu faction in the Capital and the Yeongnam
Yeongnam
Yeongnam is the name of a region that coincides with the former Gyeongsang Province in what is now South Korea....
-based Sarim
Sarim
The Sarim , or "forest of scholars," was a powerful faction of literati that dominated Middle and Late Joseon politics.-Early beginning:...
faction dominated national politics, which culminated in a series of four bloody purges
Korean Literati Purges
The term "Literati purges" is a translation of Korean term sahwa by Edward W. Wagner, Harvard professor of Korean history. Sahwa literally means "seonbi's calamity" and refers to a series of political purges in late 15th and 16th century, in which Sarim scholars suffered persecution at the hands...
between 1498 and 1545, in which Sarim faction was persecuted by the Hungu faction. Following these setbacks, the Sarim faction withdrew to rural provinces where they maintained power base and idealogical continuity through Seowon
Seowon
Seowon were the most common educational institution of Korea during the mid- to late Joseon Dynasty. They were private institutions, and combined the functions of a Confucian shrine and a preparatory school. In educational terms, the seowon were primarily occupied with preparing students for the...
and Hyang'yak
Hyang'yak
In the history of Korea Hyang’yak was a contractual arrangement that allowed for a degree of local government.During the rule of Chungjong , this contract was enforced by the local level officials; specific details were circulated in text and operated as an informal common law...
(a system of social contract that gave local autonomy to villages). Eventually, Hungu faction declined without ideological successor to replace it while Sarim faction emerged as the dominant faction during the reign of Seonjo
Seonjo of Joseon
King Seonjo ruled in Korea between 1567 and 1608. He was the fourteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. He is known for encouraging Confucianism and renovating state affairs at the beginning of his reign, although political chaos and his incompetent leadership during the Japanese invasions of Korea...
.
In the 16th century, a nationwide split occurred within the Sarim faction between the Western faction (Seo-in) and Eastern faction (Dong-in), composed mainly of younger generation. Political divisions intensified even further as the Eastern faction in turn split between the hard-line Northern faction (Buk-in) and the moderate Southern faction (Nam-in) and the Western factions split between the Old Learning (Noron) and the Young Learning (Soron). Northern faction further split into Greatern Northern and Smaller Northern factions. These names for faction often come from relative location of its leader's house.
These factional splits grew out of allegiance to different philosophical schools and regional differences.
For instance, Easten faction was largely Youngnam-based, and its subfaction Southerners were mainly followers of Yi Hwang
Yi Hwang
Yi Hwang is one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, the other being his younger contemporary Yi I . A key figure of the Neo-Confucian literati, he established the Yeongnam School and set up the Dosan Seowon, a private Confucian academy. Yi Hwang is often...
while Northerners coalesced around the school of Jo Shik. Gyeonggi and Chungcheong-based Western faction were largely followers of Yi I
Yi I
Yi I was one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, the other being his older contemporary, Yi Hwang . Yi I is often referred to by his pen name Yulgok...
, of which followers of Seong Hon split to form Soron faction and while So Siyeol's followers became Noron faction. These divisions were often further driven by questions concerning royal succession or appropriate royal conduct. For example, the split between the Northerners and Southerners was driven by debate over the proper successor to Seonjo, who had no legitimate son. The Northerners came to support the Gwanghaegun
Gwanghaegun of Joseon
Gwanghaegun or Prince Gwanghae was the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. His personal name was Yi Hon. Since he was deposed in a coup, later official historians did not give him a temple name like Taejo or Sejong...
; accordingly, they flourished under his reign (1608–1623) but were swept from power by the Westerners after the succession of Injo
Injo of Joseon
Injo of Joseon was the sixteenth king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. He was the grandson of Seonjo, son of Grandprince Jeongwon...
.
Under the reigns of Yeongjo
Yeongjo of Joseon
Yeongjo was the twenty-first king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. He was the second son of Sukjong by Lady Suk-bin of the Choi clan , succeeded his older brother Gyeongjong.-Reign:...
and Jeongjo
Jeongjo of Joseon
King Jeongjo was the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. He made various attempts to reform and improve the nation of Joseon. He was preceded by his grandfather King Yeongjo and succeeded by his son King Sunjo...
in the 18th century, the kings pursued a strict politcy of equality, favoring no faction over another. However, in Jeongjo's reign, strife re-emerged as the ruling Noron faction split further between the Byeokpa and Sipa, two groups which cut across the earlier factions and differed in their attitudes concerning Yeongjo's murder of his son, who was also Jeongjo's father. In the 19th century, Joseon politics shifted as in-law families rather than scholarly factions came to dominate the throne. For most of the 19th century, the Jangdong branch of the Andong Kim
Kim (Korean name)
Kim, sometimes spelled Gim, is the most common family name in Korea. The name is common in both modern-day North Korea and South Korea. The hanja used for the name means "gold," and although the character is usually pronounced 금 geum, it is pronounced 김 gim when used for the family name and...
clan was in control of the government; however, there was a brief interlude in which control shifted to the Pungyang Cho
Cho (Korean name)
Cho or Jo is a Korean family name. As of 2000, there were 1,347,730 people by this surname in South Korea of a total population of 45,985,289: more than 2% of the total population...
clan.
With the end of the reign of Heungseon Daewongun, factional politics started declining and completely disappeared in the 19th century.
Philosophical Lineage
- Yi Saek --> Jeong Mong-juJeong Mong-juJeong Mongju , often known by his pen name Poeun, was a Korean civil minister and scholar during the late period of the Goryeo dynasty.-Biography:He was born in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsang province to a family from the Yeongil Jeong clan...
--> Gil Jae --> Kim Suk-ja --> Kim Jong-jikKim Jong-jikKim Jong-jik , often known by his pen name Jeompiljae, was a leading Korean Neo-Confucian scholar in the early Joseon Dynasty. He was born in Miryang in Gyeongsang province, to a yangban family of the Seonsan Kim lineage...
(Youngnam Sarim) --> Kim Gueng-pil --> Jo Gwang-jo (Giho Sarim)- Youngnam School: Yi HwangYi HwangYi Hwang is one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, the other being his younger contemporary Yi I . A key figure of the Neo-Confucian literati, he established the Yeongnam School and set up the Dosan Seowon, a private Confucian academy. Yi Hwang is often...
--> Seoung Hon, Yu Seong-ryongYu Seong-ryongYu Seong-ryong , also often spelled Ryu Seong-ryong, was a scholar-official and Prime minister of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea...
, Kim Seong-il - Giho School: Yi IYi IYi I was one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, the other being his older contemporary, Yi Hwang . Yi I is often referred to by his pen name Yulgok...
-> Kim Jan-seng --> --> Song Siyeol - Jo Shik --> Kim Hyo-won, Jeong In-hong, Gwak Jaeu
- Seo Gyeong-deokSeo Gyeong-deokSeo Gyeong-deok was a Korean Neo-Confucianist philosopher during the Joseon Dynasty. he affected to some Taoism.-Works:* Hwadamjip - collection of his writings* Woniki - About origin of Qi...
--> Heo GyunHeo GyunHeo Gyun was a prominent Korean politician, scholar, and writer of the Joseon dynasty. He was born of a noble family and passed the nation's highest civil services exams in 1594...
, Hwang Jin-iHwang Jin-iHwang Jin-i , also known by her gisaeng name Myeongwol , is one of the most famous gisaeng of the Joseon Dynasty who lived during the reign of King Jungjong. She was noted for her exceptional beauty, charming quick wit, and extraordinary intellect...
- Youngnam School: Yi Hwang
Division of Sarim
Sarim -->- Eastern (Youngnam School) -->
- Southern (Yi HwangYi HwangYi Hwang is one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, the other being his younger contemporary Yi I . A key figure of the Neo-Confucian literati, he established the Yeongnam School and set up the Dosan Seowon, a private Confucian academy. Yi Hwang is often...
) - Northern (Jo Shik) -->
- Greater Northern
- Lesser Northern
- Southern (Yi Hwang
- Western (Giho School) -->
- Noron (Yi IYi IYi I was one of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty, the other being his older contemporary, Yi Hwang . Yi I is often referred to by his pen name Yulgok...
) - Soron (Seong Hon)
- Noron (Yi I
Political leaders
- Easten: Kim Hyo-won (his house was on eastern side)
- Northern: Yi Bal (his house was below northern Bukak Mountain), Yi San-hae, Jeong In-hong
- Greater Northern: Yi San-hae, Hong Yeo-sun, Heo GyunHeo GyunHeo Gyun was a prominent Korean politician, scholar, and writer of the Joseon dynasty. He was born of a noble family and passed the nation's highest civil services exams in 1594...
- Lesser Northern: Nam Yi-gong, Kim Seon-guk
- Greater Northern: Yi San-hae, Hong Yeo-sun, Heo Gyun
- Southern: Woo Seong-jeon (his house was below South Mountain), Yu Seong-ryongYu Seong-ryongYu Seong-ryong , also often spelled Ryu Seong-ryong, was a scholar-official and Prime minister of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea...
-->- Heo Mok, Yoon Hyu -->
- Jeong Yak-yongJeong Yak-yongJeong Yak-yong was a leading Korean philosopher in the late Joseon Dynasty. He has usually been regarded as one of the greatest thinkers of the so-called "Practical Learning" movement...
- Jeong Yak-yong
- Heo Mok, Yoon Hyu -->
- Northern: Yi Bal (his house was below northern Bukak Mountain), Yi San-hae, Jeong In-hong
- Western: Shim Eui-gyeum (his house was on western side)
- Noron: Song Siyeol
- Soron: Han Tae-dong, Yoon Jeung
See also
- List of Korea-related topics
- Korean ConfucianismKorean ConfucianismKorean Confucianism is the form of Confucianism developed in Korea. One of the most substantial influences in Korean intellectual history was the introduction of Confucian thought as part of the cultural influence from China...
- History of KoreaHistory of KoreaThe Korean Peninsula was inhabited from the Lower Paleolithic about 400,000-500,000 years ago. Archeological evidence indicates that the presence of modern humans in northeast Asia dates to 39,000 years ago. The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC, and the Neolithic period began...
- Joseon Dynasty politics