Jingbirok (The Book of Correction)

The account of the situation during the Japanese invasions of 1592–98 (the Imjin War) written by Seoae Yu Seong-ryong (1542–1607), a scholar-official of mid-Joseon. Jingbi means to take warning from what has happened in order to guard against later disaster. Yu Seong-ryong was a disciple of Toegye Yi Hwang and studied alongside Kim Seong-il. He passed the civil service examination in 1566, the twenty-first year of King Myeongjong, held a series of posts, and served in all three of the highest offices of state. Knowing that the Japanese would invade, he recommended the generals Gwon Yul and Yi Sun-sin for high command, urged the making of cannon and other weapons and the building of fortifications, and worked to build up the army. He was renowned too for his learning, prose and calligraphy; after his death he was given the posthumous title Munchung and enshrined at Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy in Andong and elsewhere. When he wrote it is not known exactly, but it records the gains and losses of the war, written after he had retired from court to his home district. It gives the most accurate account of relations with Japan before the war, the dispatch of relief troops by Ming China, and the course of the fight for command of the sea. The manuscript Jingbirok was printed in sixteen volumes in seven books in 1647, the twenty-fifth year of King Injo, by Jo Su-ik while he was governor of Gyeongsang, at the request of the author's grandson. It was also printed by Yamatoya in Kyoto, Japan, in 1695, the twenty-first year of King Sukjong, and in 1712 the court banned its export to Japan, so highly was it valued as a historical source. With Yi Sun-sin's Nanjung ilgi (War Diary), it is highly regarded as a precious source for the period of the Imjin War.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

National Treasure · 국보