UNESCO to Mark Chosun Scholar's Anniversary

Published on 2012/01/04 | Source

The year 2012 marks the 250th birthday of one of the greatest scholars of the late Chosun Dynasty, Jeong Yak-yong (1762-1836), also known by his pen name Dasan, and the new year will be filled with events celebrating this renaissance man.

Since 2004, UNESCO has been designating associated anniversaries of global event or great figures that are in line with the values and spirits of the organization, and this is the first time a Korean has been picked. Jeong's 250th anniversary was added to the list in October last year along with next year's 400th anniversary of the publication of traditional medical encyclopedia "Donguibogam".

In Korea, a committee will organize various events, international conferences, exhibitions and music festivals celebrating Jeong's anniversary.