YEONGDONG-GUN

He was born on Aug. 20, 1378 (4th year of King Woo's reign of Goryeo) in Godang-ri, Simcheon-myeon, Yeongdong-gun to Samsajwayun Park Cheon-seok, whose family clan originated from Miryang. His first given name was Yeon, and used the pseudonym, Nangye. He was given the posthumous title, Munheongong, in July of 1967, which was the 3rd year of King Yeongjo's rule.

Park Yeon received strict education and heartfelt instructions from his family when he was young and pursued his academic studies at Yeongdong Hyanggyo (Confucian temple and school). In 1405 at the age of 28, he passed the official qualification exam to become a high-ranking officer and then passed the exam to govern the cultural affairs at the age of 34. He served at the Jiphyeonjeon (Doctrine), Saganwon (Jeongeon), Sanheonbu (Jipyeong) and Crown Prince Sigangwon (Culture).

He also served held high ranking royal servant positions such as Yemungwan Daejehak and Ijopanseo. During the time when Gwanseupdogam Dojejo was in existence, Nangye Park Yeon contributed significantly to research and made various achievements in terms of music composition and performance as well as fabrication of musical instruments, research on and coordination of music theories, and establishment and innovation of royal court music. He has been recognized for his achievements in music and is revered as one of the three greatest traditional musicians together with Wangsanak of Goguryeo and Ureuk of Silla.

The reason behind his attainment of greatness was the immense support provided by King Sejong who had a deep understanding of music. This is especially notable as it is rare for a good king and a good vassal to meet to create such brilliant works together in a pleasant atmosphere.