<Guunmong>, written by Seopo Kim Man-jung in 1687, is a fantasy story inspired by 'Josin’s Dream' from <Samguk Yusa>, crafted to comfort the author's old mother. The novel weaves together Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, with a central theme of life's impermanence from a Buddhist perspective.<br /><br />The story follows a Buddhist disciple who experiences a dream filled with wealth and honor, only to awaken and realize these are fleeting illusions. This realization leads him to embrace Buddhism. <br /><br /><Guunmong> is a precursor to other Chosun Dynasty dream novels like <Okrumong> and <Okryeonmong>. It was introduced to China and became known as <Guunlu> during the Qing Dynasty.<br /><br />The plot structure is similar to <Hongrumong> by the Chinese author Jo Seol-geun, but <Guunlu> predates <Hongrumong>. Some believe <Hongrumong> was influenced by <Guunlu>.<br /><br />The story begins with Seongjin, a disciple of the great master Yukgwan in the celestial realm. Sent on an errand to the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, he encounters eight fairies and is tempted by worldly desires. Upon returning, he is caught by his teacher and banished to the world with the eight fairies.<br /><br />Reincarnated as Yang Soyu, he becomes a minister, gains eight wives (the eight fairies), and achieves wealth and fame. However, upon seeing the desolate tombs of past heroes, Yang Soyu realizes the futility of worldly achievements and wishes to return to Buddhism. In a conversation with a monk, he disappears into a dream, and Seongjin awakens before the Great Master Yukgwan. Seongjin repents, becomes Yukgwan's successor, practices Buddhism, and ascends to paradise with the eight fairies.<br />

1. Seongjin, the beloved disciple of the great monk Yukgwan
2. Sheng Jin meets and flirts with the Eight Fairies
3. Born as Yang So-yu
4. Meets a celestial being and Learns the Zither and Flute
5. Meeting Gyeseommwol and Building a Relationship
6. Dressing up as a woman and peeking at Jeong Gyeong-pae
7. Wins first place in the state examination and gets engaged to Jeong
8. Shamed by Jeong Gyeong-pae’s Scheme
9. Subdues the Three Territories and Meets Gye seomwol and gets Jeok g
10. Refusing to be the son-in-law of Princess Nanyang and being punish
11. Conquer Tibet
12. Forming a relationship with Dongjeong Yongnyeo and burning incense
13. Princess Nanyang Visits
14. Marrying the Two Princesses
15. Two princesses and many ladies gathered at the prime minister resi
16. The Prime Minister Enjoys Happiness