Ŭisun, 1786-1866

Ŭisun (Korean: 의순; Hanja: 意恂; 1786–1866) is often called "The Saint of Korean Tea" or the "Father of Korean Tea". He was a Korean Buddhist Seon (Zen) Master who in the first half of the 19th century introduced the Way of Tea (tea ceremony) and the practices of Buddhism to many aristocratic scholars who were dissatisfied with the rigid neo-Confucianism of the Joseon era. He was himself noted as a calligrapher and artist, as well as a poet, and he formed deep friendships with other famous figures of his time, especially Chŏng Yagyong and Kim Chŏnghŭi.