KPC3339: The 200th anniversary of Jeong Yakyong’s return from exile and book publication

The Korea Post is issuing a commemorative stamp in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Jeong Yakyong (pen name, Dasan) returning from exile and the publishing of his authored book titled, Mokminsimseo. The stamp was designed after the Yeoyudang and Mongminsimseo manuscript-xs, while the latter was provided by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Dasan (1762 – 1836) was both one of the most notable 18th century scholars of the Silhak Philosophy, translated as practical learning, referring to the Realist School of Confucianism, who comprehensively integrated the philosophy itself, and a revolutionary that argued for the prosperity of the nation and strength of the military through openness and reform. Born in 1762 in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, he had grown up learning about the Silhak Philosophy through the publications of Yi Ik, an early Silhak philosopher, before making a number of contributions to the Kyujanggak, the Joseon Dynasty royal library, following his earning the top score in the civil service state examination of the liberal arts at the age of 22. During the construction of the Hwaseong Fortress, located in present-day Suwon, he developed a type of lift that drastically reduced the amount of time spent on construction, in addition to aiding the travels of the King Jeongjos Hwaseong march across the Hangang River using a pontoon bridge of his design. Dasan was extremely fascinated with advanced technology and innovative thinking that led to his becoming a trusted advisor to Jeongjo himself, earning him the confidence and favor of the king.

In 1801, the first year of King Sunjos reign, following the death of King Jeongjo, Dasan had to adopt a life of exile in Gangjin for 18 years due to his believing in the Catholic faith. Following the comprehensive organization of studies, both of new and old school thought, as well as his compilation of his works concerning the Silhak Philosophy during his exile, he was then able to establish his position as the most notable scholar of his time. He firmly believed in the establishment of a village land system, as opposed to central state ownership, in addition to unprecedented thought in land reform, including the Jeongjeon System and Yeojeon System, while writing as many as 500 volumes of books expanding across criminal law, technology, medicine, politics, national defense, agriculture, and more. Among his representative works are Gyeongsaeyupyo, comprised of reform policy that involved the creation of a central political system in order to fortify the countrys infrastructure, Heumheumsinseo, comprised of reform policy for a just legal system, and Mongminsimseo, comprised of reform policy for the local political system. Mongminsimseo was completed in March, 1818.

Namyangju City celebrates the 200th anniversary of Dasans release from exile and his publication of Mongminsimseo, declaring as, 2018 The Year of Jeong Yakyong in Namyangju, in promotion of commemorating his advocation of humanism, patriotism and love of the people and empirical tradition far and wide.