Birthday Song Written in Hunminjeongeum (Korean phonetic script)
Song of Birthday
Anthology of Yi Hyeonbo and records about his activities
  • Composed by Yi Hyeonbo (1467-1555)
  • Compiled by Hwang Junryang (1517-1563)
  • Joseon Dynasty, 1551
  • Ink on paper
  • Entrusted to The Korean Studies Institute by the Head House of Yi Nongam of the Yeongcheon Yi Clan
  • Treasure

Yi Hyeonbo was a prominent scholar and poet who formed a close intellectual bond with Yi Hwang(1501–1570), also known as Toegye. In addition to his contributions to Confucian scholarship, Yi is remembered for his Korean vernacular poetry written in the sijo form. These poems express a deep appreciation for nature and a peaceful, reclusive way of life. After retiring to his hometown, he composed works such as Saengil-ga (“Birthday Song”), which conveys his gratitude to the king for a tranquil life in old age. Many of his poems are preserved in the collection Aeildang gugyeongbyeollok (“Anthology of Yi Hyeonbo and records about his activities ”).