Yi Maechang

Yi Mae-chang (1573–1610), born Yi Hyang-geum, was a famed kisaeng of the Buan area during the Joseon period. She was known by Maechang, Gyesaeng (계생, 桂生/癸生), and Gyerang (계랑, 桂娘/癸娘).

Biography
She was born to a man Yi Tang-jong who was the mayor of Buan-hyeon (now Buan County) in North Jeolla Province, and an unnamed woman.

She was noted for her talent in playing the geomungo (a zither-like instrument related to the Chinese Guqin 古琴) and composing sijo and other poetry. As Hwang Jin-yi was known as one of the three wonders of Songdo, Mae-chang was known as one of the three wonders of Byeoksan. Because she was a gisaeng, she was not permitted to publish her works during her lifetime.

One line from her Sijo remains, saying:

“Yi Hwa-woo, who broke up with me while crying

Do you think of me in the autumn leaves too?

A thousand miles away, only dreams come and go.”

(이화우 흣뿌릴 제 울며 잡고 이별한 님.

추풍 낙엽에 저도 날 생각난가?

천리에 외로온 꿈만 오락가락 하노매)

Her grave is preserved in Buan County, Jeonbuk State, South Korea.