Jeong Yak-yong

Jeong Yak-yong (丁若鏞, 1762-1836) was a representative Silhak scholar, Confucian scholar, politician, scientist, and writer of the late Joseon Dynasty. His pen name was Dasan (茶山), and he left behind over 500 books including Gyeongse Yupyo , Mokmin Simseo , and Heumheum Sinseo.

 

He was favored by King Jeongjo and worked as a bureaucrat, but was exiled for 18 years due to his association with Catholicism, during which time he deeply reflected on the contradictions of Joseon society and compiled reform proposals.

 

He emphasized practical reform and the idea of putting the people first (民本), and showed the aspect of a practical intellectual by loving the people and denouncing corruption.

 

Jeong Yak-yong was well-versed in various fields including science, technology, law, and medicine, and also left behind scientific achievements such as the design of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the invention of the Geojunggi (Joseon-style crane).

 

His thoughts were aimed at rational and practical neo-Confucianism, and he is evaluated to have laid the theoretical foundation for social reform in the late Joseon Dynasty.