Kim Man-deok, remarkable female philanthropist

By Choe Chong-dae

In modern Korean history, many prominent pioneering women have played significant roles in raising national awareness of and in advocating feminism.

I am particularly impressed by Kim Man-deok (1739-1812), a Korean woman who displayed outstanding philanthropic spirit on Jeju Island in the 18th century.

Kim was born on Jeju to a modest family. She became an orphan early in life and became one of the most famous entertainers in Jeju. At the age of 22, she reclaimed her social status and embraced the career of a merchant.

Her status as a single woman placed her on the margin of society, a position which she courageously challenged while working as a merchant. Demonstrating outstanding talent for business and trade, she later became one of the most successful female merchants on Jeju Island. She managed to accumulate wealth, thus transcending the strict caste system of the male-dominant society during Joseon era.

In a great gesture of sympathy for the people of Jeju, she generously donated her whole fortune to support people who suffered from starvation, as a severe famine had struck Jeju Island in 1795, due to extreme weather conditions and other factors that had destroyed the crops. Ultimately, one third of Jeju's population died at that time. Kim saved an innumerable number of lives through her philanthropic and heartfelt efforts.

The Governor of Jeju was impressed by this outstanding act of philanthropy and reported it to the Royal Court. Consequently, King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Kingdom (reign 1776-1800) ordered that a biography of Kim be written, as part of its efforts to foster socioeconomic reforms.

Furthermore, the King asked Kim whether she had any wish. She replied: “I don't have any wish. I just would like to visit Seoul and see the Royal Court where the King lives, and travel around the Geumgangsan Mountain.” As a result, transcending her destiny as a woman, she was granted an audience with the King who bestowed upon her the honorary title and position of female physician of the palace dispensary as a reward for her benevolent deeds.

Kim also traveled to Geumgangsan. Her heroic deeds and worthy philanthropic spirit were described in “Jeongjo Sillok,” the annals of King Jeongjo in 1796. In recognition of her gracious and outstanding social pioneering spirit, a memorial was built for Kim in 1978 on Jeju.

She was not only a remarkable businesswoman but also a selfless philanthropist. Her life was filled with acts of uncommon generosity aimed at transforming the small, bustling island of Jeju.

Unfortunately, most people are not familiar with Kim's name today, and her generosity is hardly recognized or appreciated.

Kim's philanthropy should be a model for extremely wealthy people to help them pass on their fortunes wisely to the society. Kim's spirit of generosity and goodwill reminds me of the famous saying, “Let your light so shine before people.”

Kim left enough indelible traces in the history of Jeju Island to become its symbol, and an early model of feminism for the women's movement in Korea. Truly, she was a social pioneering woman who led a generous and noble life from her birth to her death.

She lived an extraordinary life of courage, in ways that women had not previously done and remains a role model and inspiration for all not just in Korea, but around the world.

Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and Director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com