Gim Jong-jik facts for kids

Gim Jong-jik
Shrine to Gim Jongjik in Miryang.
Quick facts for kids Korean name
Hangul	김종직
Hanja	金宗直
Revised Romanization	Gim Jongjik
McCune–Reischauer	Gim Chongjik
Art name
Hangul	점필재
Hanja	佔畢齋
Revised Romanization	Jeompiljae
McCune–Reischauer	Chŏmp'ilchae
Courtesy name
Hangul	계온 or 효관
Hanja	季? or 孝盥
Revised Romanization	Gyeon, or Hyogwan
McCune–Reischauer	Kyeon, or Hyogwan
Posthumous name
Hangul	문충
Hanja	文忠
Revised Romanization	Munchung
McCune–Reischauer	Munch'ung

Gim Jongjik (김종직, 1431–1492) was a very important scholar in Korea during the early Joseon Dynasty. He is also known by his pen name, Jeompiljae (점필재). He was a leading expert in Neo-Confucianism, which was a major way of thinking and living in Korea at that time.

Gim Jongjik was born in Miryang, a city in the Gyeongsang province. His family belonged to the yangban class, which meant they were part of the noble and scholarly families of the Seonsan Gim lineage. He worked hard and passed a special literary test called the jinsa examination in 1453. Later, in 1459, he passed an even higher government test.

His Life and Work

Starting His Career

After passing his exams, Gim Jongjik began working for the government. He held many different jobs and positions. He was especially liked by King Seongjong, who was the ninth king of the Joseon Dynasty. However, not everyone liked him. He also made some enemies, especially from a group called the Hungupa faction. This group was made up of powerful officials who were very loyal to the king but often disagreed with scholars like Gim Jongjik.

Trouble After His Death

Sadly, after Gim Jongjik passed away, his writings caused big problems. His ideas became a reason for something called the First Literati Purge of 1498. This happened during the rule of Prince Yeonsan, who later became the tenth king of Joseon.

Many of Gim Jongjik's students were affected. For example, his student Kim Ilson was killed during this first purge. Another student, Gim Goeng-pil, was killed in a later event called the Second Literati Purge, also known as the Gapja massacre. Many other scholars also suffered during these purges.

Remembering Gim Jongjik

Even though there was trouble after his death, Gim Jongjik's memory was eventually honored again. People recognized his importance as a scholar. He was remembered in special schools and shrines called seowon. Two famous places where he is honored are Yerim Seowon in Miryang and Geumo Seowon in Gumi. These places help people remember his contributions to Korean thought and culture.

Writings by Gim Jongjik

Gim Jongjik wrote many important books and collections of his thoughts. Here are some of his well-known works:

• Jeompiljaejip (점필재집, 佔畢齋集)
• Cheonggupunga (청구풍아, 靑丘風雅)
• Dongmunsu (동문수, 東文粹)
• Danghuilgi (당후일기)
• Yuduyurok (유두유록, 遊頭流錄)
• Gihaengrok (기행록, 紀行錄)

See also

• Korean Literati Purges
• Joseon Dynasty politics
• List of Korean philosophers
• Korean Confucianism
• Nam Gon
• Jo Gwang-jo