Upon arriving at the Hahoe Village, the famous folk village of the Pungsan Ryu clan for over 600 years, the sincere tranquility and serene atmosphere can be felt with the ancient buildings full of history. We were invited into the Chunghyodang, the main residence house of the village, where we met Mr. Ryu Chang Hae, the eldest direct descendant of Ryu Seong Ryong and current head of the Ryu clan. In the small, humbly decorated room, we were honored with the time to interview and learn from Mr. Ryu, dressed in a modest traditional outer garment, durumagi. After introducing ourselves, he began to provide explanations about the Hahoe Village (how the location was chosen and preserved) and about Ryu Seong Ryong teacher (his life journey as a yangban, scholarly official, and about his renown writing Jingbirok).

To begin, Mr. Ryu described how there were already two other noble families living in the vicinity of the Hahoe village location, the Kim clan near the river and Ahn clan near the volcano. As the river bends and inscribes the town’s multitude of houses, floodings were the main concern when building the village, and the Ryu clan met with their neighbors to discuss the precautions. For three years, they scoped out the scenery and determined to build their Hahoe village. He detailed how the river and changes in water levels led to harsh floodings and struggles in preservation but their efforts in preservation overcame the difficulties. Additionally, the Ryu clan worked closely with their friendly neighbors, the Kim and Ahn clan, when paying the national taxes. As taxes were paid by the region and not individually during the Joseon Period, the three households cooperated and supported one another, working together to preserve the Hahoe village throughout the years.

Then, Mr. Ryu educated us about the traditional Hahoe masks and dance parades. The Hahoe mask parades, started in the Hahoe village and expanding throughout the nation into a traditional festival, were actually symbolic __EXPRESSION__s of criticizing the Yangban elite scholar system. The parades by the common workers and farmers put on a satirical show impersonating the yangban with caricature masks. The Ryu clan, understanding the sentiment and dissatisfaction by the commoners, helped fund the parades even though they were designed to be critical of them. The Ryu clan humbly accepted the Hahoe parades and helped start as well as preserve the tradition.

This modest family are the descendants of Ryu Seong Ryong, the great prime minister at the time of the Imjin War who went by the pen name “Seoa” meaning “west cliff.” Under the Joseon King Seonjo, Seoa teacher was in government service for over 30 years, leading the country in both scholarly and military affairs. After successfully defending Korea from Japan during the Imjin war, he would eventually retire and return back to his hometown of the Hahoe village where he authored the book Jingbirok, recollecting the accounts and reality he witnessed firsthand of Joseon at war with Japan. Mr. Ryu states that Seoa teacher wrote the Jingbirok with his first account experience as a means of warning the future with the events from the past. Seoa teacher grew up in Hanyang, modern-day Seoul, and was in the same village as General Yi Sun Shin for some time. Growing up together, Seoa teacher, who would later on appoint General Yi to defend against the massive Japanese invasion, knew him very closely from a young age. Thus his retelling of the Imjin War period, from the warfare details to the individual generals and scholars mentioned, is one of the most credible national treasures of Korea.

After the background information and stories, Mr. Ryu Chang Hae took the time to respond to some of the LeadersTimes youth press questions.

[Interview]

Q: In your family, how is Ryu Seong Ryong remembered, as both a historical figure and an ancestor? Are there any stories passed down that are not found in official records?

A: There is an account of Seoa teacher mentioning his three “Han,” unresolved emotions of regret and bitterness. First, he regrets not giving back enough for the country and his family as he believes more could be done. At the same time, Seoa teacher wishes he had stepped down from office earlier as he felt he was unworthy of such a spot, but the King would not accept his resignation. Finally, he wishes he had pursued his interest in reading more passionately. These are three humble regrets that Ryu Seong Ryong had.

Another story is about his last will written 3 months before he passed. He asks that his descendants focus on one thing: “Chunghyo.” Chung meaning loyalty and faithfulness and Hyo meaning filial piety, was emphasized as the most important trait to have. Just like his first “Han” and sentiment of regret, Seoa teacher reflects on how he felt he lacked chunghyo toward his nation and family and wants to ensure his descendants do not make the same mistake.

Q: Are there any misconceptions about the Imjin War or Ryu Seong Ryong that your family feels compelled to correct or clarify?

A: A misconception lies in one of Seoa teacher’s remarks that was taken too literally. He stated, with his experience during the Imjin War, that in order to protect the nation and its prosperity, a military of 100,000 soldiers is necessary. Similarly, the Ming dynasty, who supported Joseon against the attacks by Japan, felt the need for Joseon to create their own army. However, it was financially impossible at the time for Joseon to afford such a large military as Joseon had taken a toll from the Imjin War. Thus, King Seonjo took Seoa teacher’s words too literally and began to pour expenses into developing an army of 100,000. Instead of an army, the King was left with a ruined economy and a measly 2,000 soldiers. Even if the King had listened to Seoa teacher’s words 10 years before the Imjin War had happened, the argument that an army of 100,000 could be built with Joseon’s economic state is unreliable.

Q: Finally, what are some words of advice you would like to give us younger generation students who are interested in learning about Korea’s rich history, traditions, and lineage?

A: When learning about the history and traditions of Korea, be sure to consult the texts. I feel as though national texts like the Jingbirok were not thoroughly read and understood since after the Imjin War, Korea would remain defenseless and become occupied by Japan again and again. As a matter of fact, I believe the translated version of Jingbirok was read more in Japan than the original version in Korea. Thus, consulting the texts, understanding not just the context but the message and analysis by Seoa teacher will help the next generations continue to fix the mistakes of the past, especially since the Jingbirok is as relevant today as it was over 400 years ago.