Written in Sadness. Memoirs of Madame Hong

Madame Hong began writing her memoirs in 1795 at the request of her older nephew Hong Suyeon. In them, she tells him the story of her difficult life and provides guidance to her descendants. Over the next ten years, she will write three more memoirs, addressing her grandson — King Sunjo.

Madame Hong began writing her memoirs in 1795 at the request of her older nephew Hong Suyeon. In them, she tells him the story of her difficult life and provides guidance to her descendants. Over the next ten years, she will write three more memoirs, addressing her grandson — King Sunjo.

All the texts that have survived to this day were handwritten, rather than printed from wooden boards, as was customary in traditional Korea, which further emphasizes the uniqueness and value of this monument.