The Tale of Chunhyang

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 be held. 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. 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

Mong-ryong 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.