A life in Joseon government
Yi Ryuk, also written Yi Yuk and known by the literary name Cheongpa, lived during the early Joseon dynasty. Korean scholarly reference works date his life to 1438–1498. He passed preliminary examinations in 1459 and placed first in the higher civil-service examination in 1464. Scholarship led into a long administrative career: he helped prepare a map of the capital and served in central government and provincial appointments.
His duties also took him to Ming China on diplomatic missions. After King Seongjong’s death, he participated in compiling the annals of the reign. Official business and literary observation thus occupied the same life. Alongside his collected writings, Cheongpajip, he left Cheongpa Geukdam, a gathering of anecdotes that preserves his interest in people and unusual events beyond the formal record of government.
A wider collection behind the ghost stories
Cheongpa Geukdam first appeared in the collection of his writings published by his son in 1512. Its ninety-five pieces included stories about rulers and officials, humorous incidents, legends and observations of customs. Later editions omitted some material, particularly comic tales. The supernatural is one strand within this varied work, rather than its sole purpose.
For Korean Folk Tales: Imps, Ghosts and Fairies, published in 1913, translator James S. Gale chose thirteen of Yi Ryuk’s stories from a recent reprint of older Korean writings. They appear alongside material by the much later writer Im Bang and three anonymous tales. In The Old Man in the Dream, a turtle’s appeal prevents a fishing expedition; The Propitious Magpie connects nests with promotion in office. Other selections concern kindness, perseverance, rank and moral judgement. Gale’s preference for uncanny material gave English readers a particular view of Yi Ryuk, whose original collection was much broader. The held title page credits both Korean writers and names Gale as translator; it brings together works from different periods, rather than recording a collaboration between contemporaries.
