The Emergence of the Sarim and the Beginning of Factional Politics (Bungdang) in Joseon
The Emergence of the Sarim and the Beginning of Factional Politics (Bungdang) in Joseon
1. The Rise of the Sarim: Seeds of Change in Joseon Politics
The emergence of the Sarim scholars marked a pivotal turning point in Joseon’s political landscape. Unlike the established Hungu faction, the Sarim advocated deep Neo-Confucian values, integrity, and social reform. What do you think about the power of ideas to reshape society? Have you seen such shifts in other cultures or times?
1.1 Origins of the Sarim: The Forest of Scholars
The Sarim (literally "forest of scholars") arose from scholars inspired by the neo-Confucian teachings of Kil Chae and Kim Jong-jik. Invited to court by King Seongjong in the late 15th century, they aimed to replace the entrenched, self-serving Hungu faction with a government led by Confucian ethics.
- The Sarim drew their legacy from distinguished Neo-Confucian mentors.
- They flourished at court thanks to King Seongjong’s support.
- Their mission was to promote moral governance and civic virtue.
1.2 Trials and Persecution: The Literati Purges (Sahwa)
The Hungu faction, fearing the Sarim’s influence, initiated a series of ruthless purges from the reign of Yeonsangun through Jungjong and Myeongjong. Despite the executions and exiles, the Sarim endured by retreating to rural villages, where they established seowon (private Confucian academies) and hyangyak (local autonomy contracts).
- Four infamous literati purges decimated Sarim ranks but did not destroy their ideals.
- Surviving scholars built networks of seowon to educate and retain influence.
- The legacy of their sacrifice cemented Sarim identity in Korean memory.
Has this been helpful so far? Do you have any questions about the resilience of political ideals under oppression?
2. Factional Divides Intensify: The Birth of Bungdang Politics
With the decline of the Hungu, the Sarim became the dominant political force—but soon splintered into fiercely competitive factions. This marked the start of Bungdang, or factional politics, which would define Joseon for centuries. What motivates factions to break apart: ideas, personalities, or something else? Please share your perspective!
2.1 The Easterners and Westerners: The First Great Split
As the Sarim took center stage under King Seonjo in the late 16th century, generational rivalry and differing visions divided them into East (Dongin) and West (Seoin) factions. Philosophers Yi Hwang and Yi I inspired these groups, with regional, philosophical, and personal animosities fueling the split.
- Easterners (younger, reformist, mainly from Yeongnam and Yi Hwang’s school).
- Westerners (older, conservative, followers of Yi I and Seong Hon).
- The factions often clashed over official appointments, royal succession, and court policy.
2.2 Further Fragmentation: Southerners, Northerners, and Doctrine Wars
Factional politics deepened in the following decades. The Easterners split into Southerners (Namin) and Northerners (Bukin); Westerners into Noron (Old Doctrine) and Soron (New Doctrine). Debate over policy, succession, and Confucian purity created a dizzying array of rival factions—sometimes called the “four colors” of Joseon politics.
- Southerners were mostly disciples of Yi Hwang, Northerners of Jo Sik.
- Westerners fractured into Noron (Song Si-yeol’s followers) and Soron (Seong Hon’s school).
- Factional conflicts sometimes resulted in widespread purges, exile, or even executions.
Which method works best for uniting divided ideologies: compromise, competition, or reform?
3. The Legacy of Sarim and Bungdang: Enduring Lessons and Warnings
The Sarim and Bungdang era left a complex legacy in Korean history, simultaneously fueling progress and sowing instability in Joseon society. Their rise reflects both the strengths and perils of a society governed by ideals, institutions, and intense rivalry. If this article was helpful, please share it! What would you choose in the face of political division?
3.1 The Tangpyeong Policy: Seeking Balance
In response to destructive factional strife, King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo in the 18th century pursued tangpyeongchaek—deliberate policies to balance and neutralize the power of competing factions. While this brought temporary stability, it could not resolve the underlying sources of division.
- Tangpyeong policy sought to prevent any one faction from dominating.
- Both kings tried to promote fairness and talent over partisan loyalty.
- Despite these efforts, factionalism became deeply entrenched in Joseon’s culture.
3.2 Decline and Transformation: The End of Scholarly Factions
By the 19th century, the nature of power shifted. The scholarly Bungdang gave way to politics dominated by royal in-law families (cheokga), such as the Andong Kim and Pungyang Jo clans. The old system of factional rivalry faded, but the Sarim’s legacy lived on through Confucian academies, village autonomy, and Korea’s intellectual traditions.
- The Sarim model influenced education and village governance for centuries.
- In-law dominance ended the classic factional era, leading to new political challenges.
- Bungdang politics are still a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive partisanship.
In conclusion, the emergence of the Sarim and the beginning of Bungdang politics forever shaped Korea’s political, educational, and cultural evolution. Their story is a testament to the power—and peril—of competing ideals and the relentless human search for justice, recognition, and reform.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who were the Sarim and why were they important?
The Sarim were Neo-Confucian scholars who emerged in Joseon, seeking to reform politics with integrity and moral governance. Their ideals and resilience helped shape Korean intellectual and political traditions.
Q2. What caused the beginning of Bungdang politics in Joseon?
Bungdang politics began when the Sarim fractured into rival factions (Easterners, Westerners, etc.) over philosophical, regional, and personal differences. The system dominated Joseon court life for centuries.
Q3. How did factional politics affect Joseon society?
Factional rivalry led to frequent purges, instability, and sometimes policy stagnation. Yet competition also helped refine bureaucracy, test ideas, and maintain checks on royal power.
Q4. What was the Tangpyeong policy, and did it succeed?
Tangpyeongchaek was a king-led attempt to balance political factions. It brought temporary peace but couldn’t heal underlying divisions or stop eventual shifts to in-law dominance in government.
Q5. How is the legacy of the Sarim and Bungdang seen today?
Their influence survives in the value Koreans place on education, local autonomy, and principled debate. The dangers of hyper-factionalism still offer a poignant warning for any society divided by politics.
