Jeolgang Si clan
| Jeolgang Jang clan | |
|---|---|
| Country | Korea |
| Current region | Zhejiang |
| Founder | Si Mun-yong |
The Jeolgang Si clan (Korean: 절강 시씨; Hanja: 浙江 施氏), Chinese: 浙江施氏) is a Korean clan of foreign origin. Their ancestral home (Bon-gwan) is located in Zhejiang Province, China. According to a research survey conducted in 2015, the number of members of the Jeolgang Si clan was approximately 2,011.[1]
History
The founder of the Jeolgang Si clan was Si Mun-yong (시문용, 施文用), a military general of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). He was dispatched to the Korean Peninsula during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598) (also known as the Imjin War) as part of the Ming dynasty's Central Army to aid the Joseon dynasty in resisting the Japanese forces.[2]
During the conflict, Si Mun-yong sustained injuries in battle and was unable to return to China after the war concluded. Consequently, he remained in Korea and eventually settled in what is today North Gyeongsang Province.[3] His descendants later established the Jeolgang Si clan, honoring Zhejiang as their Bon-gwan to reflect their ancestral roots in China.
Origin and Bon-gwan
In Korean clan culture, the concept of Bon-gwan (origin of a clan lineage) is used to distinguish families with the same surname but different regional origins. For the Jeolgang Si clan, Zhejiang Province serves as the Bon-gwan. This reflects their descent from Si Mun-yong, whose homeland was Zhejiang.[4]
Characteristics
The Jeolgang Si clan is one of several Korean clans with Chinese origins. Unlike native Korean clans that trace their founders back to Korean royalty or nobility, clans of foreign origin often commemorate individuals who settled in Korea due to diplomatic missions, military service, or trade during historical periods of close interaction between Korea and neighboring countries, especially China.[5]
Modern status
Although relatively small compared to other Korean clans, the Jeolgang Si clan maintains its heritage and cultural identity. As of 2015, the documented number of clan members was 2,011.[6]
References
- ^ "절강시씨 浙江施氏". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-04-27.
- ^ Turnbull, Stephen (2002). Samurai Invasion: Japan's Korean War 1592–1598. Cassell & Co.
- ^ "시문용(施文用)". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-04-27.
- ^ "절강시씨 Zhejiang Si Clan". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 2025-04-27.
- ^ Pak, Chongseo (1991). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Academy of Korean Studies.
- ^ "절강시씨 Zhejiang Si Clan". Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-04-27.