Jang Gye-hyang’s Parenting Method

A Woman as Remarkable as Shin Saimdang: Lady Jang

Jang Gye-hyang (張桂香) was a female artist and calligrapher of the mid-Joseon period. According to Jangssi Silgi (張氏實記), "By the age of ten, Jang was already well-versed in literature and the arts, excelling without formal instruction. The poetry she recited and the characters she wrote embodied the refined elegance of Fengya (風雅) and the calligraphic styles of Zhong Yao (鍾繇) and Madame Wei (衛夫人). However, since literature and calligraphy were not considered suitable pursuits for women, she eventually gave them up, leaving behind only a few surviving works of exceptional beauty and skill."

Born in the Joseon era, Jang Gye-hyang was unable to fully showcase her talents. However, she devoted herself to raising and educating her children, and her son, Yi Hyeon-il (李玄逸), later became the Minister of Personnel (Ijopanseo). All of her children grew into distinguished scholars of their time. In recognition of her contributions as a mother, she was granted the honorary title of Jeongbuin (貞夫人) and became known as "Lady Jang." Let’s take a closer look at her educational philosophy.

Lady of Integrity, Jang Gye-hyang (Source: Naver)

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Emphasizing Character Before Academics

Jang Gye-hyang taught her children, saying,

"Even if people praise your scholarly abilities, I do not consider it significant. However, if I hear that you have performed a virtuous act, I will rejoice and never forget it."

From an early age, Jang studied the essence of Sohak (小學) under her father and believed that studying merely for worldly success was as meaningless as a bright yet tasteless apricot. She instilled the same values in her children, emphasizing moral conduct over academic excellence.

Some parents today overlook their children's misbehavior as long as they excel academically, but Jang Gye-hyang took a different approach. She stressed the importance of integrity and taught her children to cultivate both their minds and actions. This foundation helped all seven of her children grow into distinguished scholars. As their reputation flourished, Jang Gye-hyang’s name also reached the royal court, ultimately earning her the title of Jeongbuin.

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Prioritizing Loyalty Over Wealth

Jang Gye-hyang once said,

"For a person, wealth and material possessions are not essential to life. Just as fish die because of fragrant bait, a scholar's honorable name can be ruined by money. Wealth holds no value apart from human relationships. When everyone has enough, having more money is a source of comfort and pride. However, when others are in need, possessing great wealth alone brings misfortune. A granary filled while others starve will eventually invite disaster. You must understand this principle and manage wealth wisely. Righteousness is weighty, while wealth is light. Money, once lost, can be regained, but integrity, once broken, is difficult to restore. Why, then, do people forsake what is weighty and chase after what is light?"

Jang Gye-hyang’s father-in-law was Yi Ham (李涵), also known as Unak (雲嶽), a man who embodied the belief that integrity outweighs wealth. Observing his life, she realized that even if one loses money, preserving human relationships leads to blessings for future generations. She passed this wisdom on to her children, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and righteousness over material gain. As a result, Jang Gye-hyang’s descendants became renowned scholars of the Joseon dynasty, helping to establish the Jaeryeong Yi (載寧李) family as one of the most prestigious lineages in Korea.

 

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