Gimyuk Stele

This is a stele erected during the reign of King Hyeonjong of Joseon to commemorate the achievements of Kim Yuk, who advocated for and brought about the implementation of the Daedongbeop (Uniform Tax Law). Kim Yuk (1580-1658) was a civil official of the late Joseon period who pursued institutional reform grounded in the ideas of Silhak (Practical Learning). He passed the state examination in 1605, the thirty-eighth year of King Seonjo, entered government service, and went on to serve as Governor of Chungcheong-do Province, Dosseungji (Chief Royal Secretary), Right State Councillor, Left State Councillor and Chief State Councillor. He argued in particular for abolishing the tribute-goods system, under which each region had to offer up its local produce, and for replacing it with the Daedongbeop, under which payments were made in rice and cloth instead; its implementation reduced the burden on farmers while also securing a measure of state revenue. The stele consists of a stele body set on a turtle-shaped base and topped with a capstone, which is vividly carved with two dragons glaring at each other. From the inscription "17th year of Shunzhi" carved on the stele, it is presumed to have been erected in 1660, the first year of King Hyeonjong.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Asan, Chungnam

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료