Choi Chi-won and Yangyang Lee Sang-gong at the time of the Tang Dynasty

Choi Chi-won, a prominent scholar during the Tang Dynasty, wrote extensively during his time in China. His works from the Gobyeong period were compiled into the “Gyewon Pilgyeong Collection”. However, his letter to Lee Sang-sang in Yangyang was published in the “Gobunjip” instead, as it was not written during his time in Gobyeong. Previously, Lee Sang-sang was mistakenly identified as Yangjaesa Yiul. Recent research has clarified that Lee Sang-sang was actually a distant relative of Choi Chi-won, not Yiul. This discovery disproves earlier studies suggesting that Choi Chi-won met Yiul before passing his civil service examination. Choi Chi-won's visit to Yangyang occurred after he passed the imperial examination and while en route to his new appointment as a government official (Yulsuhyeonwi). He was traveling to Luoyang for this position when he passed through Yangyang. A local official named Baezol recommended he visit his relative, Lee Sang-sang, who was serving as Yang Ju-sa (a local administrative position) at the time. Choi Chi-won stayed in Yangyang for about 50 days, hosted by the local government due to his relative's consideration. The letter he wrote to Lee Sang-sang serves to: Confirm Lee Sang-sang's identity as Yang Ju-sa, not Yiul. Document Choi Chi-won's brief stay in Yangyang while traveling to his new post. Express gratitude for the hospitality he received. This clarification provides a more accurate understanding of Choi Chi-won's travels and relationships during this period, correcting previous misinterpretations in historical research. It emphasizes that Choi Chi-won's interaction with Lee Sang-sang was a brief stopover during his journey to a new official position, rather than a meeting before his examination as previously thought.