Jang Yeong-sil (장영실, 1390?–after 1442) was one of the greatest scientists and inventors of the Joseon Dynasty. Despite being born into a low social class, his remarkable talent in engineering and innovation earned him the trust of King Sejong the Great. Under the king’s patronage, he developed astronomical instruments, water clocks, rain gauges, and advanced printing technologies, significantly contributing to Korea’s scientific and technological advancement.
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◆ Early Life and Background ◆
Jang Yeong-sil’s exact birth year is uncertain, but he is believed to have been born around 1390 during the early Joseon Dynasty. His family background was humble, and he was classified as a cheonmin (천민, lower-class), which traditionally prevented him from holding government positions.
▷ Natural Genius and Early Recognition ◁
Despite his low social status, Jang Yeong-sil demonstrated exceptional intelligence and mechanical skills from an early age. He gained a reputation for being able to repair and create complex mechanical devices. His talent eventually caught the attention of King Sejong the Great, who was actively seeking talented individuals, regardless of their background, to advance science and technology in Joseon.
King Sejong overcame social barriers and personally appointed Jang Yeong-sil to serve in the royal court, making him one of the few commoners to rise to such prominence in Joseon society.
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◆ Contributions to Science and Technology ◆
Under King Sejong’s patronage, Jang Yeong-sil developed numerous scientific instruments and engineering marvels, helping Joseon become a leader in science and technology during the 15th century.
▷ Astronomical Instruments ◁
Understanding celestial movements was essential for agriculture and governance, so Jang Yeong-sil was tasked with creating accurate astronomical instruments.
Honcheonui (혼천의, Armillary Sphere): A rotating celestial globe used to track the positions of the sun, moon, and stars.
Ganui (간의, Simplified Celestial Globe): A more portable and user-friendly version of the armillary sphere for precise astronomical observations.
These instruments helped improve timekeeping and calendar accuracy, which was crucial for farming and rituals.
▷ Water Clocks and Timekeeping Devices ◁
One of Jang Yeong-sil’s most famous inventions was the Jagyeokru (자격루, Water Clock).
Jagyeokru (Self-striking Water Clock): An automated timekeeping device that used water flow to strike bells and gongs, marking the hours accurately without human intervention.
This clock was a major advancement in Korea’s timekeeping system and helped standardize time for official duties and ceremonies.
▷ Meteorological Instruments ◁
Jang Yeong-sil also developed tools to help farmers and scientists better understand weather patterns.
Cheugugi (측우기, Rain Gauge): The world’s first standardized rain gauge, used to measure rainfall levels for agricultural planning.
This innovation allowed the government to collect accurate weather data and improve irrigation systems and flood management.
▷ Printing Technology and Engineering ◁
Jang Yeong-sil’s expertise extended beyond astronomy and meteorology. He also improved printing techniques, enhancing the movable metal type printing system originally developed during the Goryeo Dynasty. His contributions sped up book production, allowing knowledge to spread more efficiently across Joseon.
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◆ Challenges and Downfall ◆
Despite his great contributions, Jang Yeong-sil’s career took a tragic turn.
▷ Controversy and Political Struggles ◁
In 1442, Jang Yeong-sil was involved in an accident while testing a newly designed royal carriage.
The carriage broke while carrying King Sejong, which led to a political backlash from conservative officials who had always opposed Jang’s rise to power as a commoner.
As a result, he was dismissed from his official position, and his later life remains largely unknown.
Although King Sejong did not severely punish Jang Yeong-sil, the incident effectively ended his career at the royal court.
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◆ Legacy and Impact ◆
Despite his unfortunate downfall, Jang Yeong-sil’s contributions had a lasting impact on Korean history and science.
▷ A Pioneer in Science and Engineering ◁
His astronomical devices, water clocks, and rain gauges were groundbreaking for their time and influenced later scientific developments.
His inventions helped improve time management, weather forecasting, and agriculture in Joseon.
▷ Breaking Social Barriers ◁
Jang Yeong-sil’s rise challenged the rigid class structure of Joseon society.
He proved that talent and intelligence could overcome social status, inspiring future generations.
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◆ Modern Recognition ◆
Today, Jang Yeong-sil is honored as one of Korea’s greatest scientists and engineers.
Jang Yeong-sil Science Park (Daejeon, South Korea): A center dedicated to science education and innovation.
Jang Yeong-sil Medal: Awarded by the South Korean government to individuals who make outstanding contributions to science and technology.
Depictions in Korean Media: His life has been portrayed in dramas, movies, and documentaries, emphasizing his role in advancing Korean science.
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◆ Conclusion ◆
Jang Yeong-sil’s life is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and intelligence. Despite being born into a low-class background, he became one of the greatest scientific minds in Korean history.
His advancements in astronomy, timekeeping, and meteorology helped shape Korea’s scientific progress, and his legacy continues to inspire engineers, scientists, and innovators today.
Through his work, Jang Yeong-sil proved that talent transcends social class, leaving behind a scientific legacy that remains influential in modern Korea.
지식과 정보
Jang Yeong-sil: Korea’s Greatest Inventor and Scientist
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