Paragon Virtues of the Korean Woman: Representation In Princess Myths
Keywords
Korea, mythology, women, gender, feminism, Neo-Confucianism
Abstract
In this essay, I examine traditional Korean myths featuring three princesses: the fictitious Princess Pari and Princess Pyŏnggang and the historical Queen Sŏndŏk of Silla. In examining these three tales, I aim to analyze what paragon female virtues are presented and what this can tell us about traditional Korean attitudes towards women. Princess Pari exemplifies the virtue of filial piety, Princess Pyŏnggang the idea of the righteous wife, and Queen Sŏndŏk the leadership that was afforded women before the influence of Neo Confucianism in the Joseon Period.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
DeWitt, Rebecca D., "Paragon Virtues of the Korean Woman: Representation In Princess Myths" (2026). Student Works. 462.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/studentpub/462
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2026-6
Language
English
College
David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
Department
Asian and Near Eastern Languages
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