sijo

Sijo is a traditional Korean lyric poetry form that originated in the Goryeo to Joseon periods and reached its height during the Joseon era. It is typically a three-line poem written in Hangul or classical Chinese characters, and it is known for its compact, musical language and inventive wordplay. A standard sijo comprises about 44 to 46 syllables in total, divided roughly evenly among the three lines. Each line is usually broken into two halves by a pause, and the third line traditionally delivers a twist or turn that reframes the preceding content.

In style and form, sijo often presents a scene, mood, or idea in the opening line, elaborates on it in the second, and then introduces a clever conclusion or unexpected insight in the third. The language favors vivid imagery, metaphor, and sometimes double meanings. Although many early examples were composed in classical Chinese or in the Korean literary tradition of hanja, later sijo were written in Hangul and reached a broader audience. The tone can be contemplative, humorous, romantic, or morally reflective, and poets frequently drew on nature, daily life, social observation, and personal feeling.

Historically, sijo was a popular form among literati and court poets, evolving through successive centuries. Its practitioners include renowned figures such as Yun Seon-do, Shin Saimdang, and Heo Nanseolheon, who are celebrated for their mastery of the form. In modern times, the sijo tradition has been studied academically, taught in schools, and refreshed by contemporary poets who experiment with language and rhythm while preserving its characteristic twist at the end. Translations and contemporary adaptations have helped introduce sijo to a global audience.