Gatherings pivotal to the activities of the poetical circles in the second half of Goryeo were the poetry clubs presided by the kings, military administrators, or abbots in the 13th century, those by Girohoi, abbots or pupils in the former half of the...
Gatherings pivotal to the activities of the poetical circles in the second half of Goryeo were the poetry clubs presided by the kings, military administrators, or abbots in the 13th century, those by Girohoi, abbots or pupils in the former half of the 14th century, and those by the Hakgwans of Seonggyungwan in the latter half of the 14th century. Those changes signify a shift of focus in literary activities from the highest rulers with the mighty power through the few noblemen with authority and moral influence to the many noblemen with the academic and literary talent. It is also one of the clues to show that the royal authority-based society was gradually replaced by the nobility-based society. The images of gorgeous flowers were often manifested in Chinese poems in the 13th century, whereas those of powerful flowers and trees emerged anew in the former half of the 14th century and those of little flowers and grass appeared in the front in the latter half of the 14th century. Those changes to the image of plant mean that the literary men of Goryeo altered their goal of life from personal advancement in life through the spirit of integrity required by the times to the recognition of the universal laws, thus gradually expanding their spiritual world. In the 14th century, the men of letters accepted Sung-Confucianism and made fierce responses to the harsh reality of the times, enhancing their spiritual stage.