Hong Gil-ju

Hong Gil-ju (洪吉周, 1786–1841, 10th year of King Jeongjo – 7th year of King Heonjong) was a Joseon scholar who was active in the first half of the 19th century. His courtesy name was Heonjung (憲仲), and his pen name was Hanghae (沆瀣). He belonged to the Pungsan Hong clan (豊山 洪氏). His father was Hong In-mo (洪仁謨), and his mother was Lady Seo of the Yeongsuhap (令壽閤 徐氏). His elder brother was Yeoncheon Hong Seok-ju (洪奭周), who served as Grand Academician, and his younger brother was Hong Hyeon-ju (洪顯周), son-in-law of King Jeongjo. His sister was Hong Won-ju (洪原周).

Life

He passed the preliminary civil service examination at age 16, and at age 22 he passed the saengwon and jinsa examinations at the same time. However, he gave up his aspiration to hold office and devoted himself to writing. Within his family's scholarly atmosphere and reading culture, where the latest books of the time were readily available, he read many books across diverse fields and engaged in scholarly exchange with members of his family. On this basis, he firmly built a foundation in learning and was able to possess a broad outlook. With a unique perspective unconstrained by convention and outstanding literary skill, he left works such as Hyeonsu Gapgo (峴首甲藁), Pyororeum Eulcheom (縹礱乙籤), Hanghae Byeongham (沆瀣丙函), Sugsunyeom (孰遂念), Suyeo Bangpil (睡餘放筆), Suyeo Yeonpil (睡餘演筆), and Suyeo Nanpil (睡餘瀾筆).