Uhwudong facts for kids

Eowudong (어우동, 於宇同), also known as Uhwudong or Eoeuludong, was a talented Korean woman who lived in the 15th century. She was born in 1440 and passed away on October 18, 1480. Eowudong came from a noble family during the Joseon Dynasty. She was known for being a dancer, writer, artist, and poet. Sadly, most of her creative works have not survived to today.

Her Life Story

Eowudong was born with the name Park Gu-ma. Her family, the Eumseong Park clan, was a noble family in the Joseon Dynasty. She married Yi Dong, who was known as Prince Taegang. Prince Taegang was a great-grandson of Queen Wongyeong and King Taejong.

Eowudong was famous for many things. People admired her great beauty. She was also very skilled at dancing and singing. She wrote beautiful poetry and was known for her quick thinking and charming personality. Her intelligence was also considered extraordinary.

Her Family

Eowudong had a family with important connections:

• Father: Park Yun-chang
• Mother: Jeong Gwi-deok (who passed away on June 20, 1488)
• Older brother: Park Seong-geun (who passed away on August 22, 1488)
• Husband: Yi Dong
  • Father-in-law: Yi Jeong, Prince Yeongcheon
  • Mother-in-law: Princess Consort Kwon of the Yecheon Kwon clan
• Children:
  • Daughter: Yi Beon-jwa
  • An unnamed son

Her Creative Works

Even though only a few of her works remain, they show her great talent. She wrote sijo, which are a type of Korean poem with a special structure. She also created pieces for the geomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument.

Her poems often hint at sad stories of lost loves. Some of her verses were also written as responses to famous classic Chinese poems and stories.

Her Poems

Here are two examples of her poems:

[玉淚丁東夜氣淸 / The beads flow and illuminate the night] 玉淚丁東夜氣淸 / The beads flow like tears, lighting up the night. 白雲高捲月分明 / White clouds roll high, and the moonlight shines clearly. 間房叔謐餘香在 / Your scent still lingers in a quiet room. 可寫如今夢裏情 / I can imagine the feelings from a dream.

[白馬臺空經幾歲 / How long has the Baekma-dae been empty?] 白馬臺空經幾歲 / How many years has Baekma-dae been empty? 落花巖立過多時 / The 'stone with fluttering flowers' has stood for many years. 靑山若不曾緘黙 / If the 'blue mountain' had not been silent, 千古興亡問可知 / I would have learned about the rise and fall of ancient times.

Her Legacy

Eowudong's personal story has become almost like a legend. She has inspired many creative works, including novels, movies, TV shows, and operas. Many poets have also written about her.

After the Joseon Dynasty ended in 1910, Eowudong became a popular cultural icon in modern Korea. This is because she was known for being assertive and independent.

See also

In Spanish: Eowudong para niños

• Hwang Jini
• Guji, Princess of Joseon
• Heo Nanseolheon
• Yu Gam-dong
• Shin Saimdang
• Lim Yunjidang
• Na Hye-sok