True Love and the Social Ladder

There once was a gisaeng, or female musician/entertainer, named

Wolmae, who lived in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. The gisaeng class,
although usually refined and cultured, were viewed with contempt by
the noble and upper classes. Wolmae, eager to escape her low status,
worked her way into the heart of a civil minister, who eventually took
her as his second wife. Wolmae then gave birth to a daughter whom
she named Chunhyang, meaning “scent of spring.”

Some 16 years later, Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate,

was out for a walk, taking in the spring beauty, when he spotted a girl
on a swing. She was the loveliest sight he’d ever beheld. Desperate to
meet the lovely woman, Mong-ryong sent his servant to arrange a
meeting with her. Although reluctant at first, Chunhyang agreed to
meet her suitor at Gwanghallu Pavilion, a popular leisure spot.
Although Chunhyang remained aloof, Mong-ryong was wholly smitten.
He instantly decided he wanted to marry her, and went to Wolmae to
ask for permission. Aware that marrying into a prestigious family could
lead to a better life, Wolmae gave her full approval. Constricting
traditions, however, prevented Mong-ryong from wedding until he
passed the civil service exam. Fortunately, however, Chunhyang
eventually saw the sincerity of Mong-ryong’s passion and fell in love
with him. For a sweet, short while, the two lived a happy, peaceful
existence while Mong-ryong studied for his exam.

Then one day, Mong-ryong’s father brought misfortune to the loving

couple by getting promoted to a position in Seoul, requiring him and his
family to relocate. Because Chunhyang was the daughter of a gisaeng,
Mong-ryong’s father made it very clear that they couldn’t risk their
family honor by taking her with them. Soaked in tears, Mong-ryong and
Chunhyang embraced each other and said their goodbyes, promising to
remain true until their reunion. Mong-ryong vowed to pass his exams,
earn a respectable title and come back to marry Chunhyang with honor.

Eradicating Injustice

Upon leaving, Mong-ryong’s father was soon replaced by a new

magistrate, Byeon Hak-do, who was greedy and licentious. He ignored
his duties and exploited the local population to feed his private
appetites. After witnessing Chunhyang’s beauty, he demanded that she
sleep with him, but she adamantly refused, declaring she had only one
true love. Infuriated, Hak-do tortured her and threw her in prison. After
a few months, just as Chunhyang was on the verge of death, Mong-
ryong returned, with a respectful title as he had promised.

Before ousting Hak-do and freeing several political prisoners, he

disguised himself as a homeless man and approached Chunhyang to see
how she’d treat him. She was polite and kind, but made it very clear
that she had only one true love. When Mongryong finally revealed
himself, the two lovers kissed and embraced each other, rejoicing in
their reunion. After righting the wrongs of Hak-do, Mong-ryong made
Chunhyang his official bride and took her with him to Seoul, where the
king rewarded Mong-ryong’s accomplishments with a promotion. They
lived happily ever after.