Toegye Yi Hwang, depicted on the 1,000-won bill, is known as a scholar and philosopher of the mid-Joseon period, representing Korea as a prominent figure in Neo-Confucianism. ‘Toegye’ is Yi Hwang’s nom de plume. He was well-know for never imposing his beliefs on others, and above all, he was respected for prioritizing people over ideologies in both speech and action.  

The current 1,000-won banknote features several cultural heritages related to Toegye Yi Hwang in order to commemorate this important Korean historical figure. 

· (Front) Plum Blossom: Toegye Yi Hwang held great affection for plum blossoms for their longevity and depth. This sentiment is famously associated with Du-hyang, a courtesan who worked in a government office and developed a deep bond with Toegye. Skilled in poetry, calligraphy, and playing the gayageum (the Korean zither twelve stringed instrument), Du-hyang particularly adored plum blossoms. Their love ended when Toegye was transferred to another position. On the day of his leaving, Duhyang presented Togye with a pot of plum blossoms. Toegye never saw Du-hyang again until the day he passed away. The plum tree from the pot he received on their farewell day is told to have been transplanted to the entrance of Dosan Seowon in Andong, where it still blooms to this day. 

· (Front) Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall: the Myeongnyundang lecture hall is where Toegye Yi Hwang taught scholars at Seonggyun-gwan Academy, and was a place managed by Toegye during his tenure. While Myeongnyundangs were distributed throughout the country, the one depicted on the bill is the one at Seonggyun-gwan. 

· (Back) Gyesangjeonggeodo: Gyesangjeonggeodo, painted by Gyeomjae Jeongseon in 1746, 177 years after Toegye Yi Hwang's passing, depicts Dosan Seodang, where Toegye Yi Hwang resided, and its surrounding landscape. It portrays Toegye Yi Hwang reading a book in a small hermitage surrounded by a river and mountains. In contrast to the prominent figure of Toegye on the front of the banknote, the back illustrates a wide landscape with subtle elements, providing insights into his quiet life by the stream after descending from the seat of power.