YUL GUK

Yul Guk (1536-1584) was the pen name of Master Yi-l. A great scholar of the Lee Dynasty, he was so brilliant that he passed the national examination for selecting public servants at the age of 13. He participated in national affairs and helped various government appointments. Later on, he resigned from government service and returned home, devoting himself to writing. He published many books on philosophy, Confucianism, and public administration.

Yul Guk pointed out various shortcomings of the government system, and suggested reforms which had tremendous impact on the social policy of the Yi Dynasty. Anticipating the Japanese invasion, he also advised maintaining an army of 100,000 soldiers.

The 38 movements of this form refer to his birthplace on the 38° latitude, and the diagram ± represents "scholar."