, written by Seopo Kim Man-jung in 1687, is a fantasy story inspired by 'Josin’s Dream' from , crafted to comfort the author's old mother. The novel weaves together Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, with a central theme of life's impermanence from a Buddhist perspective.
The story follows a Buddhist disciple who experiences a dream filled with wealth and honor, only to awaken and realize these are fleeting illusions. This realization leads him to embrace Buddhism.
is a precursor to other Chosun Dynasty dream novels like and . It was introduced to China and became known as during the Qing Dynasty.
The plot structure is similar to by the Chinese author Jo Seol-geun, but predates . Some believe was influenced by .
The story begins with Seongjin, a disciple of the great master Yukgwan in the celestial realm. Sent on an errand to the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, he encounters eight fairies and is tempted by worldly desires. Upon returning, he is caught by his teacher and banished to the world with the eight fairies.
Reincarnated as Yang Soyu, he becomes a minister, gains eight wives (the eight fairies), and achieves wealth and fame. However, upon seeing the desolate tombs of past heroes, Yang Soyu realizes the futility of worldly achievements and wishes to return to Buddhism. In a conversation with a monk, he disappears into a dream, and Seongjin awakens before the Great Master Yukgwan. Seongjin repents, becomes Yukgwan's successor, practices Buddhism, and ascends to paradise with the eight fairies.
‘Seopo’ Kim Man-jung was a high-ranking official in the Chosun Dynasty who wrote novels in Korean (Hangul). Born posthumously during the Byeongjahoran(War in Byeongja year), he was raised by his mother and older brother and was known for his filial piety.
Kim Man-jung passed the state examination in 1665 and began his official career. In 1671, he became a secret royal inspector, and in 1672, he became Dongbu Seungji. However, during the second Yesong Controversy, he was dismissed from office but was reinstated in 1679, serving as the Minister of Rites, Minister of Public Works, and Chief State Councilor.
In 1686, opposing King Sukjong's attempt to depose Queen Inhyeon, he was exiled to Seoncheon. There, he wrote to comfort his mother and to influence the king on the South Sea island of Nodo, the second exile.. He believed only novels written in Korean were truly Korean literature. His other works include and , which contain poetry.