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Heo Gyun facts for kids

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Heo Gyun
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Quick facts for kids
Korean name
Hangul
허균
Hanja
Revised Romanization Heo Gyun
McCune–Reischauer Hŏ Kyun
Art name
Hangul
교산 / 성소 / 백월거사
Hanja
Revised Romanization Gyosan / Seongso / Baegwolgeosa
McCune–Reischauer Kyosan / Sŏngso / Paegwŏlgŏsa

Heo Gyun (born December 10, 1569 – died October 12, 1618) was a famous Korean writer, poet, and government official. He lived during the Joseon period, which was a long kingdom in Korea's history. Heo Gyun was also known by his pen names, which are special names writers use, like Gyosan and Seongso.

Life of Heo Gyun

Heo Gyun was born in the city of Gangneung. His family, the Yangcheon Heo clan, was part of the noble class called yangban. This meant they were important and well-respected. His father, Heo Yeop, was even the mayor of Gangneung.

Early Life and Education

Because his family was noble, Heo Gyun received a very good education. In 1594, he passed the country's highest exam, called the civil service exam. This exam allowed people to work for the government.

Heo Gyun had a strong teacher named Yi Dal. This teacher helped him become a very modern and open-minded thinker. Heo Gyun dreamed of a fairer society. He wanted to change old ways of thinking in social life, writing, and politics.

Political Career and Challenges

Heo Gyun worked for the Joseon government in important roles. He was even a Minister, which is a high-ranking official. However, his political life was not always easy. He was sent away from the capital city several times because of disagreements with other politicians.

Sadly, Heo Gyun faced serious accusations during the rule of Prince Gwanghae. He was put to death in 1618.

Famous Works and Ideas

Heo Gyun is often believed to be the author of a very famous Korean story called Tale of Hong Gildong. This story is about a hero who fights for justice. The ideas in the story, like fairness and helping common people, show Heo Gyun's own modern way of thinking.

Heo Gyun's Family

Heo Gyun came from an important family. His father was Heo Yeop, and his mother was Lady Kim. He also had a very talented older sister, Heo Nanseolheon, who was a famous poet.

  • Father: Heo Yeop (1517 - 1580)
  • Mother: Lady Kim of the Gangneung Kim clan
  • Stepmother: Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan
  • Siblings:
    • Older half-brother: Heo Seong (1548 - 1612)
    • Older brother: Heo Bong (1551 - 1588)
    • Older sister: Heo Nanseolheon (1563 - 1589), a famous poet.

Heo Gyun had several wives and children.

  • Wives:
    • Lady Kim of the Andong Kim clan (1571 - 1592)
      • Children: One daughter
    • Lady Kim of the Seonsan Kim clan
      • Children: One daughter, one son (Heo Gwing)

Literary Works

Heo Gyun was a very active writer. He wrote many books and poems. Here are some of his known works:

  • Honggildongjeon (홍길동전): This is the famous story about Hong Gildong, often said to be written by Heo Gyun.
  • Domundaejak (도문대작): A book about food and cooking.
  • Yujaeron (유재론): This work discusses the importance of using talented people, even if they are from humble backgrounds.
  • Seongsobu bugo (성소부부고): A collection of his writings and poems.
  • Gyosansihwa (교산시화): A collection of his thoughts on poetry.

He also wrote many other works, including:

  • Dongguk myeongsandong cheonjuhaegi
  • Namgungdujeon
  • Haksan chodam
  • Gukjo sisan
  • Hanjeongnok
  • Gosiseon
  • Sachesungdang
  • Dangsiseon
  • Songohghasicho
  • Myungsagashiseon
  • Eomcheosajeon
  • Songoksaninjeon
  • Jangsaninjeon
  • Jangsaengjeon
  • Namgung seonsaengjeon

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More Information

  • Heo Gyun
  • Heo Gyun:Navercast
  • Heo Gyun

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Heo Gyun para niños

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