Yi Saek

Yi Saek (李穡, 1328 – 1396) was a prominent Korean Neo-Confucian scholar, poet, and statesman during the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the transition between these two dynasties.

Born in Gyeongju, he achieved high recognition for his intellectual prowess and was sent to Yuan China to study Confucianism under Zhu Xi's disciples. This experience profoundly shaped his philosophical and political views. Upon returning to Goryeo, Yi Saek actively promoted Neo-Confucianism, advocating for reforms based on its principles, including the establishment of the Seonggyunkwan (성균관), the national academy of Goryeo.

He served in various high-ranking government positions under several Goryeo kings. Although he was a loyal servant of Goryeo, he recognized the inevitable decline of the dynasty. After the establishment of the Joseon dynasty, Yi Saek was initially critical but eventually accepted the new regime, continuing to contribute his knowledge and experience.

Yi Saek is renowned for his extensive writings, including poetry and prose that reflect his deep understanding of Neo-Confucian philosophy and his concerns about the political and social issues of his time. He played a crucial role in nurturing many influential Joseon scholars, earning him the title of one of the "Three Sages of the East" (동방삼현, 東方三賢) alongside Jeong Mong-ju and Gil Jae. His students included Kwon Geun and Byeon Gye-ryang, who became key figures in shaping Joseon's intellectual landscape. His contributions helped establish Neo-Confucianism as the dominant ideology of the Joseon dynasty.