Ch'oe Ch'iwŏn
Silla scholar-official who studied in Tang and sought reform.
Ch'oe Ch'iwŏn (857–10th century) was a Korean philosopher and poet of the Unified Silla period. He studied in Tang China, passed the imperial examination, and held high office there before returning to Silla, where he attempted to reform the declining state's government. In his final years, he turned to Buddhism and became a hermit scholar near Haeinsa temple. He is recognized as the progenitor of the Gyeongju Ch'oe clan.
- born
- 857, Saryang district, Gyeongju, Silla
- died
- 10th century (exact date unknown)
- field
- Philosophy, poetry, government
- nationality
- Silla (Korean)
- known_for
- Confucian reform efforts, literary names Haeun and Koun, progenitor of Gyeongju Ch'oe clan
Lore & Background
Ch'oe Ch'iwŏn was born in 857 in the Saryang district of Gyeongju, into the head rank six class, which limited his official prospects in Silla's bone rank system. At age twelve, his father sent him to Tang China with the admonition to pass the imperial examination within ten years. Ch'oe succeeded, earning the jinshi degree and serving in prefectural office, later working under General Gao Pian against the Huang Chao rebellion. He became acquainted with Emperor Xizong and returned to Silla in 885 at age 28.
Reader's Guide
Ch'oe Ch'iwŏn is significant as a prominent figure of the head rank six class who sought to reform Silla's declining government through Confucian principles. His 894 submission of 'Ten Urgent Points of Reform' to Queen Jinseong was ultimately ignored. After retiring around 900, he wandered Korea, eventually settling at Haeinsa Temple. His stele inscriptions for Buddhist priests are key sources on Silla Buddhism. Posthumously honored as Marquis of Bright Culture, his portrait was placed in the national Confucian shrine. Anecdotes about his support for Goryeo founder Wang Kŏn are disputed, possibly fabricated to bolster Goryeo legitimacy.
Did You Know?
- Ch'oe passed the highest Chinese civil service exam, the jinshi degree, within ten years of arriving in Tang.
- He submitted 'Ten Urgent Points of Reform' to Silla's Queen Jinseong in 894, but they were not adopted.
- His pen name Koun means 'Lonely Cloud,' and Haeun means 'Sea Cloud'; Haeundae District in Busan is named after the latter.
- The date of his death is unknown, though he was still alive as late as 924.
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