Jeong Yak-yong

Chŏng Yagyong was a Korean agronomist, philosopher, and poet. He is also known by his art name Tasan. He was one of the greatest thinkers in the later Joseon period, wrote highly influential books about philosophy, science and theories of government, held significant administrative positions, and was noted as a poet. He was a close confidant of King Jeongjo and his philosophical position is often identified with the Silhak school, and his concerns are better seen as explorations of neo-Confucian themes.