The year of 'byeong-o'

Every culture has its own way to count years, and Korea’s traditional lunar calendar is very interesting. As I wrote in this section at the beginning of last year, we use a 60-year cycle, a sexagenary system known in Korean as “yuksipgapja.” This system mixes 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches to name each year.

According to this calendar, 2026 is called the year of “byeong-o.” The heavenly stem “byeong” means the color red and the earthly branch “o” stands for the horse. So, this year is the “Year of the Red Horse.”

The word byeong is also linked to fire, which adds a strong and lively feeling. Like other cultures, in Korea the horse implies energy, speed and freedom. This combination shows a year full of passion, power and new beginnings.

The byeong-o year appears every 60 years. In our modern history, two of them stand out as times when bravery and sacrifice showed the true spirit of the people.

The year 1906 is one of these red horse years. In 1905, Japan forced Korea to give up its right to deal with other countries by compelling the country to sign the Eulsa Treaty. This treaty made many Koreans angry and the next year, many people fought back in groups called "righteous armies" or “uibyeong.”

These groups were made up of teachers, farmers and former soldiers who did not want to see Korea lose its freedom. They fought against Japanese soldiers and those who helped Japan.

Leaders like Min Gyeong-ho and Choe Ik-hyeon became heroes who inspired others to join the fight. Even though the righteous armies had fewer weapons than the Japanese, they never gave up. Their courage kept the hope of independence alive and helped later movements to free Korea.

The resistance of 1906 showed that ordinary Koreans were ready to risk everything for their country. That year became a symbol of strength and hope, proving that the desire for freedom could not be stopped.

Another byeong-o year, 1846, tells a different but powerful story. It was the year when Kim Dae-geon (Andrew Kim Taegon), the first Korean Catholic priest, died for his faith at age 25. Many of his followers were also martyred.

Kim was born into a religious family and studied abroad before becoming a priest. He came back to Korea to help the growing Catholic community. At that time, the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) did not allow Christianity and punished its followers.

In the red horse year of 1846, Kim was caught while helping French missionaries enter Korea. He was tortured and killed near the Han River in Seoul. His death was a prodigious loss but also a strong symbol of faith and courage.

Today, Kim Dae-geon is remembered as a great pioneer who helped start the Catholic Church in Korea. He was made a saint in 1984, and many people still look up to him.

The events of 1846 remind us of sacrifice and spiritual strength. It shows that courage can be found not only in battle but also in standing firm in beliefs.

The bravery of 1906 and the faith of 1846 are modern Korea’s representative historical years. They remind us that strength and belief never fade. As we welcome the new year of byeong-o, the red horse invites us to rethink our lives.

The red horse runs into our future. May we find new energy, courage and purpose. This byeong-o year can be a chance for fresh and spirited starts.

Sho Chang-young is a retired high school teacher and former principal of Gunsan Girls’ High School.