Im Sang-ok
林尙沃Merchant1779~1855
Im Sang-ok (1779–1855) was a leading trade merchant of the late Joseon period. Born in Uiju in what is now North Pyongan Province, he rose to become a prominent trader within the Mansang, the merchant guild of Uiju, and amassed great wealth chiefly through the ginseng trade. Renowned for his commerce with Qing China, he exemplifies the growth of commercial activity in late Joseon and later became the model for the television drama Sangdo.
Key achievements
- Great merchant of Uiju during the Joseon period
- Accumulated enormous wealth through ginseng trade
Related works
- 상도(2001)
Related places
Uiju (overseas)