Yi Seung-hyu’s Jewang ungi

Yi Seung-hyu wrote the Jewang ungi, a verse history of China and Korea, and presented it to King Chungnyeol. It made Dangun the founder of Korean history.

Under Yuan domination, Yi Seung-hyu left office after remonstrating with King Chungnyeol and, living on Mount Duta in Samcheok, wrote the Jewang ungi in 1287. Its first volume sets Chinese history in verse; the second covers Korean history from Dangun Joseon to Goryeo.

It begins Korean history with Dangun as a history of its own, on a par with China’s, and includes Balhae as Goguryeo’s successor. With the Samguk yusa of the same years, it reflects a sense of independence under Yuan domination.