백운동원림의 국화시 고찰

Abstract

Chrysanthemums, which bloom despite the withering autumn winds, symbolize resilience against adversity (傲霜孤節), detachment and self-cultivation away from the worldly chaos (隱逸), and unwavering loyalty and integrity even in the face of unexpected hardships (忠節). This paper examines the chrysanthemum-themed works of Kim Changheup, Shin Myeonggyu, and Im Yeong from the 17th-century Baegun-dong Garden, as well as the chrysanthemum poems of the 19th-century poet Lee Siheon and Choui Seonsa from the same garden. The chrysanthemum poems from the 17th-century Baegun-dong Garden prominently feature the spirit of overcoming adversity as seen in Qu Yuan’s loyalty (오상고절) and the leisurely hermitic life as portrayed in Tao Yuanming’s detachment from worldly troubles (隱逸). In the 19th century, there was a surge of interest in horticulture among the new intellectuals of Joseon, with a particular fascination for chrysanthemums. The works of Lee Siheon and Choui Seonsa reflect their natural embrace of this trend. Nature, including mountains, flowers, and trees, does not impart lessons through words or writings. Through chrysanthemums, one can pursue a reclusive life and cultivate their spiritual world. This study observed the figure of a scholar who, while seeking a reclusive life and cultivating his spiritual world through chrysanthemums, also stepped into the real world by directly cultivating chrysanthemums, thereby gaining knowledge about them.