The Tradition of Poetry: Civil Official and Poet Bak Sang

Narrative

Bak Sang (1474-1530, pen name: Neuljae), a native of Gwangju, was a civil official and renowned poet of the Joseon period (1392-1910). He wrote some 1,100 poems throughout his life, being one of the most prolific poets of his era, and was highly praised by King Jeongjo. Bak is commemorated at Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy and Songhoyeongdang Shrine. The woodblock prints of his collected works are designated as a Gwangju Tangible Cultural Heritage and are kept at the Gwangju History and Folk Museum. The woodblocks were published by Jo Cheol-yeong (1777-1853) in 1841, who served as magistrate of Gwangju. Noljae-ro Street is named after him.