Heo Mok

Who was Heo Mok?

Heo, Mok 허목 was a politician, poet and scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, later serving as the country's Prime Minister of the Left from 1675 to 1678. Garnering many pseudonyms from his peers, Mok became commonly known as Misu. Born into the Yangcheon clan of the Heo family as its 22nd generation and eldest son, Mok became one of the nation's most revered philosophers and a continued mentor to various kings. Despite his multifaceted accomplishments, he was very insistent on rejecting offers from both the court and the king to work officially. It would not be until the latter end of his life did the sage finally accept these summons. Mok became one of the few in Korean history to ever hold one of the Prime Minister seat on appointment and not through the imperial civil servant system of the Joseon Dynasty.

During his service, Mok became leader of the Southerner's faction, rival to Si-yeol Song, the leader of the Westerner's faction. He currently rests at Yeoncheon, Korea near his former estate, Eungudang. Like his Mokjangjido 모장지도, many of his works have become national treasures.