17 Facts About Chunseong

Chunseong, born Lee Chang-nim, was a Korean Buddhist monk, scholar, poet, writer, and philosopher.

Chunseong was born on March 30,1891, in Inje county, Gangwon Province.

Chunseong's father was Lee In-oh and his mother was Lady Park of Milyang.

Chunseong begged to be a pupil, but abbess Han Yong-un rejected him because he was too young.

Chunseong was required to read through Hwaeomgyeong and Geumganggyeong.

Chunseong studied them so well that he could recite the Hwaeomgyeong backwards.

In November 1918, Chunseong's teacher published Yusim, a series of magazines that written to make Buddhism appeal to the youth.

Chunseong remained dutiful to his teacher while he was in prison and was the only head monk who regularly visited and sent over food and supplies.

Chunseong got caught and was arrested by the Japanese police for violating forestry laws.

Chunseong enjoyed his fair share of alcoholic drinks and often drank beer and makgeolli.

An elderly woman who regularly sought Chunseong to hear his lectures had a spinster for a granddaughter because her standards were too high.

Chunseong returned to her home and was upset at her grandmother for sending her to see this monk.

Chunseong generously gave away all the money he received from his followers.

Chunseong was attacked for hypocrisy, rigorism, pretended philanthropy and formalism.

In 1964, Chunseong was invited by him to Chungwadae since the First Lady, Yuk Young-su was a devout Buddhist.

Chunseong's ashes are enshrined at the Bongkuk Temple, which is located in Seongnam.

Long after his death, Chunseong's name was a social taboo for South Korea because of his controversial words and actions along with the social influence of Confucianism.