THE TALE OF CHUNHYANG

(A Korean Folktale)
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, was
viewed with contempt by the 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 the wedding until he passed the civil service
exam. Fortunately, 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’s 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 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.