Heo Gyo

Heo Gyo (許喬, 23 September 1567 (lunar calendar 21 August) – 11 January 1633 (lunar calendar 2 December 1632)¹) was a Joseon scholar-official. His family seat was Yangcheon, and his courtesy names were Suong (壽翁) and Yuak (維嶽). He was the grandson of Left Councillor Heo Ja, the father of the Southern Faction leader Heo Mok (Misu), and the son-in-law of Im Je.

Biography

He was the grandson of Left Councillor Heo Ja, and Right State Councillor Heo Mok (Misu) was his son. In his youth he studied under Park Ji-hwa (朴枝華, Suam), who was a disciple of Seo Gyeong-deok (Hwadam). He later learned poetry from Suhoja (垂胡子) and learned the Records of the Grand Historian (《사기》) from Sin Bungsaeng (申鵬生). Afterward he again sought out Park Ji-hwa (朴枝華) and became his disciple.

One day he asked to be taught a method of solitary cultivation. The teacher said, "Among scholars who turn away from the customs of the world and keep only to their own integrity, some do practice it, but it is not something a learner should strive for first." and did not teach him.

During the Imjin War in 1592, he lost his father at Tosan, where the family had taken refuge. He led his mother and many family members from place to place, supporting them. Because of his outstanding filial conduct, he was recommended by Kim Myeong-won (金命元) and became Supervisor (參奉) of the Office of Military Supplies (軍資監). He then served as Director (直長) and Magistrate (判官) and became Magistrate of Geochang County. In 1598, after the war ended and the Japanese troops had already withdrawn, the government and military forces of the north and south gathered at Hanseong Prefecture, and he was put in charge of distributing military grain. He was transferred several times and became Attendant (奉事) and Director (直長) of the Office of Salt Tax (司贍寺) and the Office of Royal Supplies (濟用監), but he incurred the dislike of the Minister of Revenue and was dismissed from office.