A Study on the Poetic World of Kyungwa(敬窩) KimHyu(金烋)

This paper is a study that examines the life and poetic world of Kyeongwa(敬窩) KimHyu(金烋) through his poetry. KimHyu, who inherited the Toegyehak(退溪學), expanded his academic horizon after marriage by studying under Gyeongam(敬菴) No Gyeong-im(盧景任) and Yeoheon(旅軒) Jang Hyeon-gwang(張顯光). He demonstrated exceptional academic ability by passing the local examination at the age of 15 and the Jìnshìshi(進士試) at 31. However, he chose to live the life of an intellectual in seclusion. Kyeongwa's poetry is explored through three themes: reverence for Susung(Korean's traditional teacher), the pursuit of a life of ‘Anbinnakdo (安貧樂道, being content amid poverty and taking pleasure in acting in an honest way)’, and the academic achievement inspired by the ancient Confucian schola(千古聖). In “Reverence for Susung,” the focus is on poems that express his admiration for Jang Hyeon-gwang(張顯光). In “The Pursuit of a Life of Anbinnakdo,” the study examines the life Kyeongwa aspired to through his family learning and his relationship between mentor and disciple. “Academic achievement inspired by the ancient Confucian schola(千古聖)” explores the essence and material of the Tao that Kyeongwa sought to enjoy in his life of simplicity. One notable feature of the more than 450 poems left by Kyeongwa is the absence of social or compassionate poetry that criticizes the society of his time or consoles the lives of the people. Social criticism and compassion for the people are virtues that a statesman should possess, indicating that Kyeongwa, who aspired to live as a scholar, clearly understood his boundaries.