The Chunhyangjeon is one of Korea’s most iconic stories. Although its author and date of composition are unknown, it most likely originated as a work of pansori, a form of musical storytelling involving song and percussion, and was later adapted into prose during the reign of either King Sukjong (r. 1674–1720) or King Yeongjo (r. 1724–1776). The classic love story has since been rendered into several films, plays and other dramatic forms. Multiple versions exist, but they all adhere to the same basic plot.


True Love and the Social Ladder

There once was a gisaeng, or female musician/entertainer, named Wolmae, who lived in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. The gisaeng class, although usually refined and cultured, were viewed with contempt by the noble and upper classes. Wolmae, eager to escape her low status, worked her way into the heart of a civil minister, who eventually took her as his second wife. Wolmae then gave birth to a daughter whom she named Chunhyang, meaning “scent of spring.”

Some 16 years later, Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate, was out for a walk, taking in the spring beauty, when he spotted a girl on a swing. She was the loveliest sight he’d ever beheld. Desperate to meet the lovely woman, Mong-ryong sent his servant to arrange a meeting with her. Although reluctant at first, Chunhyang agreed to meet her suitor at Gwanghallu Pavilion, a popular leisure spot.



Although Chunhyang remained aloof, Mong-ryong was wholly smitten. He instantly decided he wanted to marry her, and went to Wolmae to ask for permission. Aware that marrying into a prestigious family could lead to a better life, Wolmae gave her full approval. Constricting traditions, however, prevented Mong-ryong from wedding until he passed the civil service exam. Fortunately, however, Chunhyang eventually saw the sincerity of Mong-ryong’s passion and fell in love with him. For a sweet, short while, the two lived a happy, peaceful existence while Mong-ryong studied for his exam.

Then one day, Mong-ryong’s father brought misfortune to the loving couple by getting promoted to a position in Seoul, requiring him and his family to relocate. Because Chunhyang was the daughter of a gisaeng, Mong-ryong’s father made it very clear that they couldn’t risk their family honor by taking her with them. Soaked in tears, Mong-ryong and Chunhyang embraced each other and said their goodbyes, promising to remain true until their reunion. Mong-ryong vowed to pass his exams, earn a respectable title and come back to marry Chunhyang with honor.


Eradicating Injustice

Upon leaving, Mong-ryong’s father was soon replaced by a new magistrate, Byeon Hak-do, who was greedy and licentious. He ignored his duties and exploited the local population to feed his private appetites. After witnessing Chunhyang’s beauty, he demanded that she sleep with him, but she adamantly refused, declaring she had only one true love. Infuriated, Hak-do tortured her and threw her in prison. After a few months, just as Chunhyang was on the verge of death, Mong-ryong returned, with a respectful title as he had promised.

Before ousting Hak-do and freeing several political prisoners, he disguised himself as a homeless man and approached Chunhyang to see how she’d treat him. She was polite and kind, but made it very clear that she had only one true love. When Mongryong finally revealed himself, the two lovers kissed and embraced each other, rejoicing in their reunion. After righting the wrongs of Hak-do, Mong-ryong made Chunhyang his official bride and took her with him to Seoul, where the king rewarded Mong-ryong’s accomplishments with a promotion. They lived happily ever after.


A Complex Love Story

Although it’s tempting to view Chunhyangjeon as a simple love story, it has several deeper themes worth exploring, including social mobility amid a Confucian class system, punishment of the corrupt, humanity’s earnest desire for untainted, everlasting love, and feminine resistance to male lechery. As it was a “bestseller” in its day, Chunhyangjeon can be seen as the literary projection of desires among the Joseon people for social and political change: a love story with hidden themes of subversion. A true classic, indeed.

Written by Felix Im
Illustrated by Shim Soo-keun

*The series of old Korean tales has been made possible with the cooperation with Korea Magazine.