The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong: The Autobiographical Writings of a Crown Princess of Eighteenth-Century Korea is a landmark of Korean literature and royal life-writing. Composed between 1795 and 1805, these memoirs offer a rare first-person account from inside the Korean royal court.

Lady Hyegyong recounts the shocking fate of her husband, a crown prince executed on his father’s orders, and the far-reaching consequences of this tragedy. Her narrative moves between personal grief, political intrigue, and the everyday rhythms of palace life, capturing a world filled with competing loyalties, danger, and ceremony.

Presented in its social, cultural, and historical contexts, this complete English translation opens a window onto questions of selfhood, duty, and power in premodern Korea. The intimate voice of Lady Hyegyong reveals a deeply observant and articulate woman reflecting on her life, her family, and her times.

Highlights

• Classic work of Korean autobiography and court literature
• Vivid portrayal of royal politics, intrigue, and family conflict
• Insight into eighteenth-century Korean society and culture
• Engaging narrative voice from a crown princess and eyewitness

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