Jo Mok

Jo Mok (趙穆, 1524 – 1606) was a civil official and scholar of mid-Joseon. His family seat was Hoengseong (橫城), his courtesy name was Sakyeong (士敬), and his pen name was Woncheon (月川).

Life

A disciple of Yi Hwang (李滉), he passed the saengwon examination in the reign of Myeongjong and became a student at the Sungkyunkwan, where he studied Confucianism. In 1571, during the reign of Seonjo, he was appointed Chambong of Gongneung but resigned. In 1576 he served as magistrate of Bonghwa, and in 1594 as Jubu of the Gunjagam, where he submitted a memorial opposing an alliance with Japan. In 1601 he passed through the post of Sajaegamjeong and rose to the rank of Vice Minister of Works (Gongjo Chamban). Although his living conditions were very poor, he devoted himself wholly to scholarship and was respected as a great scholar.

He also excelled in literature and calligraphy. His works include the <Woncheonjip> (月川集) and the <Gonjijallok> (困知雜錄), which records the teachings of sages.

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