Yi Ch'ae (born 1616)

Yi Ch'ae was a mid-Joseon Confucian writer, known for compiling the Tonggyŏng chapki with Gyeongju magistrate, Min Chu-myŏn.

Biography

Yi Ch'ae was born in 1616 in Yangdong, Gyeongju, as the son of gentlemen for escort service Yi Kyo, of the Yeoju Yi clan, and his wife, Lady Chŏng, of the Hadong Chŏng clan. His art name was Mongam and his courtesy name was Sŏg'o. At the age of 8 or 9, he learned how to write from his grand-uncle, Yi Ŭi-hwal. In 1631,, as magistrate of Gyeongju, met the 15-year-old Yi Ch'ae and was impressed by his scholarly talents, marrying his granddaughter to Yi.
In 1666, Yi Ch'ae would pass the licentiate examinations. In 1669, Yi would compile a local gazetteer, the Tonggyŏng chapki, or the Miscellaneous Records of the Eastern Capital, with Gyeongju magistrate, Min Chu-myŏn. In 1676, Yi Ch'ae was recommended as a person of merit and integrity to be appointed to a government post. Yi was given the offices of Yŏngnŭng tomb guardian and assistant supervisor at the Ice Storage, but declined the posts.
In 1683, Yi fell ill and died the following year in 1684.