Daedong Youngsun is a collection of Buddhist monk poetry compiled by the Korean monk Keummyeong Bojeong (1861-1930) during the late modern period. It consists of a total of 408 pieces and 443 poems, encompassing Buddhist verses and poems from various periods in Korean history, as well as general literary works and poems related to China and Japan. Daedong Youngsun holds significant value in the study of Korean Buddhist monk poetry. Firstly, Daedong Youngsun reveals the emergence of poet-monks during the late Joseon Dynasty and an increase in the publication of monk's literary collections. Secondly, it demonstrates that monk poetry often encompasses socially relevant themes, extending beyond the realm of religious meditation to include historical and socio-cultural aspects. Furthermore, Daedong Youngsun includes poems exchanged between Korean monk poets, literati, and individuals from China and Japan, underscoring the role of poetry as an important means of cultural exchange. Consequently, Daedong Youngsun is not only a collection of poems by a monk but also provides crucial material for the study of monk poetry, serving as a foundation and guiding direction for further research. Daedong Youngsun reflects Keummyeong Bojeong's broad knowledge and his sense of mission and historical consciousness as an intellectual. The collection shows Keummyeong Bojeong's sectarian affiliations, with a substantial number of works by eminent monks from the Jogye Order's major temples, emphasizing the inclination towards the Jogye Order. Additionally, Daedong Youngsun includes poems by literati and members of the royal family from various periods in Korean history, nearly all of which are related to Buddhism, depicting scenes of visits to Buddhist temples and interactions with monks. Moreover, the collection extensively gathers Buddhist-related poems and poems concerning significant historical events, enabling readers to grasp the unfolding of history through poetry. Through Daedong Youngsun, it becomes evident that Korean monk poetry serves as a medium for cultural exchange and is an important source material for the study of Buddhist cultural history.
