Chunhyangjeon

About the story

In the town of Namwon, Chunhyang meets Yi Mongryong, the magistrate's son, beside a swing on a spring day. They marry in secret before he must leave for the capital. When a cruel new magistrate demands that Chunhyang obey him, she refuses — whatever it costs her.

Before reading

• What does it mean to be loyal?
• This story comes from pansori, a Korean tradition of sung storytelling. How might a story change when it's sung or performed?

Discussion questions

1. Why do Chunhyang and Mongryong marry in secret?
2. Why does Chunhyang refuse the new magistrate, even when she is punished?
3. Who helps Chunhyang, and how?
4. Why does Mongryong return in disguise?
5. How do the pictures show the difference between the kind and cruel characters?
6. What does this story say about justice?

Words to know

• Magistrate — an official who governs a town and judges cases.
• Pansori — Korean storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer.
• Hanbok — traditional Korean clothing.
• Loyalty — staying faithful to someone.
• Disguise — clothes or a costume that hide who you are.

Activities

• Perform it. Pansori is performed out loud. Choose one scene and read it aloud with expression.
• Design a hanbok. Draw an outfit for Chunhyang for a festival, using the colors in the book.