Ten days at sea, with relentless waves pounding the hull. Upon disembarking at the port, an arduous 80-ri (19.5-mile) journey over rugged stone paths finally led to a small thatched-roof cottage in Daejeong, Jeju Island, Korea. This was where Chusa Kim Jeong-hui, caught in unforeseen political strife, would spend his exile.
During the late Joseon Dynasty of Korea, Kim Jeong-hui was a descendant of a prestigious family and one of the era’s most revered scholars and artists. He held key government positions, including Seongkyunkwan Daesaseong (Headmaster of Seonggyungwan, the highest educational institution similar to a national university) and Ijo Champan (Vice Minister of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel), and as a diplomatic envoy to China, he actively exchanged knowledge with prominent scholars and literati. Yet, his exile was bleak and lonely. More painful than the hardships of meager food or the torment of illness was the cold betrayal of acquaintances who turned their backs on him in an instant. The consecutive losses of a close friend and his beloved wife only deepened his sorrow and despair.
Amid the bitter solitude of exile, one person remained steadfast in his friendship—Yi Sang-jeok1, one of Kim Jeong-hui’s devoted pupils. Each time Yi traveled to China for work, he tirelessly sought books he knew his mentor would treasure. He continuously sent rare and valuable volumes to Jeju Island, including Hwangjo Gyeongse Munpyeon2—a collection so precious that it was worth the price of an entire house. Unlike those who sought favor by offering rare books to the powerful, Yi treated his exiled mentor no differently than before. Kim Jeong-hui was deeply moved by his student’s unwavering faithfulness.
1. Yi Sang-jeok (李尙迪, 1804–1865) was a scholar and interpreter who served as Jijungchubu-sa and governor of Onyang. He traveled to China twelve times as an interpreter, forming connections with prominent Chinese literati of the time. His works include Eunsongdang, a collection of poems, and Haerinchukso, a compilation of letters from Chinese scholars.
2. A book compiled by Hè Chánglíng and Wèi Yuán during the Qing Dynasty of China. It is a collection of essays on statecraft from the Qing era.
Wanting to repay Yi’s steadfast devotion, Kim Jeong-hui picked up his brush. With each stroke of ink, he skillfully depicted a humble cottage surrounded by sturdy pine and fir trees—simple yet full of strength and dignity. In the upper right corner of the painting, he inscribed the phrase “Wooseon Sishang” (藕船是賞: “Wooseon3, see this”)—clearly marking Yi Sang-jeok as the intended recipient. He then stamped it with the seal written “Jang Mu Sang Mang” (長毋相忘: “Let us never forget each other”) to express his profound gratitude.
3. The pen name of Yi Sang-jeok
In his epilogue, he praised Yi’s unwavering heart, likening it to an evergreen tree that remains lush in spring and summer, yet unchanged even in the depths of winter. This painting became Sehando (歲寒圖)—a masterful ink painting now designated as Korea’s National Treasure No. 180. It is a masterpiece that could only have been born from the deep and enduring friendship between two men.
Remaining steadfast—toward oneself or others—is no easy feat, especially in times of joy, sorrow, or hardship. Having someone who treats you the same, regardless of your circumstances, is an immeasurable blessing.
In times of ease, a brother’s concern may seem light, and when strength fills you as if you could conquer the highest mountain in a single leap, a sister’s support may not feel significant. However, as we pass through tunnels of trials and ride the waves of refinement, we come to recognize the true value of those who have always stood by our side, whether near or far.
The brothers and sisters in Zion, united by the flesh and blood of God, are our greatest treasures. Together with them—whose very presence is encouragement—let us bear the fruit of righteousness as green olive trees in the house of God, thriving in every season. The masterpiece of God, the eternal kingdom of love, is not far away.