Taegyo Singi (태교신기) by Lady Sajudang Yi (사주당 이)

I have written two previous posts on Taegyo (태교) on my blog—one on its concept and another on its practices.

Before moving on to other topics, I thought it would be meaningful to review one of the most foundational texts on prenatal education: Taegyo Singi (태교신기).

For this post, I will be reviewing two books:

1. Taegyo Singi: A Joseon-Era Guide to Prenatal Education (태교신기: 조선시대 여성 실학자 사주당 이씨의 태교지침서) (2nd Edition)
   • This book contains the original Taegyo Singi (태교신기) text, translated by Lee Soo-kyung (이수경) and Hong Soon-seok (홍순석), published by Korea Culture Publishing (한국문화사, 2021).
   • It includes historical context, discussions on the period, and details about Lady Sajudang Yi (사주당 이) and her family.
2. The Classic of Prenatal Education for Couples: Taegyo Singi (부부가 함께 읽는 태교의 고전: 태교신기)
   • This book is translated and interpreted by Choi Hee-seok (최희석), a licensed Korean medicine doctor and Ph.D., published by Idam Books (이담북스, 2020).
   • This book provides a contemporary interpretation of Taegyo Singi (태교신기), explaining its teachings from a traditional Korean medicine (한의학) perspective and adapting them to modern Korean life.

Since both books expand upon the original Taegyo Singi (태교신기), I will be reviewing them together. My primary focus in this post is to explore what this classic of Taegyo (태교) teaches.

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The First Comprehensive Guide to Taegyo (태교)

Taegyo (태교) refers to the practice of prenatal education in Korea, with roots in Confucian philosophy, Korean medicine, and culture. Among various texts on the subject, Taegyo Singi (태교신기), written by Lady Sajudang Yi (사주당 이) in the late 18th century (during the Joseon Dynasty), stands out as the first extensive and structured work entirely dedicated to prenatal education.

While fragmented references to prenatal education existed in classical texts—such as the Book of Rites (예기) and Yobeom (여범), a Ming Dynasty text prescribing women’s virtues—Taegyo Singi (태교신기) was the first book to systematically present prenatal education as a comprehensive philosophy.

Completed in 1800 and later edited and annotated by her son, Yu Hui (유희), Taegyo Singi (태교신기) argues that a child’s temperament and moral character are shaped not only by genetics but also by the emotional and physical state of the mother during pregnancy. 

The text emphasizes that education should begin before birth, stressing the moral responsibility of both parents—rather than just the mother—in shaping the child’s future.

Dr. Choi Hee-seok (최희석) provides a modern interpretation of Taegyo Singi (태교신기), contextualizing its teachings by explaining how traditional prenatal education can be understood today. His analysis incorporates medical and psychological insights into some of its core principles.

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The Core Philosophy of Taegyo Singi (태교신기)

1. The Influence of Parents on the Child’s Disposition

One of the most striking statements in Taegyo Singi (태교신기) is:

“A teacher’s ten years of instruction cannot compare to a mother’s ten months of pregnancy, and a mother’s ten months of nurturing cannot compare to a father’s single moment of conception.”

This phrase suggests that a father’s state of mind at conception is even more influential than the mother’s efforts during pregnancy. While this reflects Confucian beliefs about paternal responsibility, it also suggests an early recognition of genetic inheritance.

Modern psychology and epigenetics partially align with this idea, acknowledging that parental health and stress levels before conception can influence a baby’s development. However, Taegyo Singi (태교신기) extends this concept further, claiming that a mother’s emotions, thoughts, and sensory experiences during pregnancy directly shape the child’s personality and physical attributes—an idea still debated in modern science.

Dr. Choi Hee-seok acknowledges that some claims in Taegyo Singi (태교신기) may not be scientifically accurate today. However, he highlights that the book was ahead of its time in emphasizing parental mindfulness and its impact on fetal development.

2. A Holistic Approach: Environment, Behavior, and Emotion

Taegyo Singi (태교신기) categorizes prenatal education into several aspects, including:

• Visual Influence: Pregnant women should avoid grotesque, violent, or disturbing scenes and instead focus on beautiful objects, classical paintings, and Confucian texts.
• Auditory Influence: They should listen to poetry, refined music, and moralistic stories while avoiding gossip, harsh words, and loud arguments.
• Physical Conduct: Excessive movement, lifting heavy objects, and improper postures (such as reclining incorrectly) are discouraged to ensure the fetus remains undisturbed.

While some of these recommendations may seem restrictive or superstitious today, they align with contemporary research highlighting the importance of a stress-free prenatal environment. For example, studies indicate that maternal stress can elevate cortisol levels, potentially affecting fetal neurological development.

3. Taegyo (태교) as a Collective Effort: The Role of Family and Society

Unlike many prenatal education texts that focus solely on the mother, Taegyo Singi (태교신기) emphasizes that the entire family plays a role.

Lady Sajudang Yi (사주당 이) writes:

“A pregnant woman does not raise the fetus alone; the whole family must maintain an environment of peace and virtue.”

Fathers, grandparents, and even household members are advised to avoid causing stress to the expectant mother. Negative emotions like anger, fear, and sorrow were believed to physically harm the fetus, potentially leading to emotional instability or health issues after birth.

Dr. Choi Hee-seok supports this idea, relating it to modern psychology, which shows that a strong support system for pregnant women reduces anxiety and lowers the risk of postpartum depression.

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Critique and Contemporary Relevance

Traditional Taegyo (태교) Practices: Protection vs. Restriction

Many teachings in Taegyo Singi (태교신기) served a dual function:

✔️ They protected pregnant women from stress and exhaustion at a time when maternal and infant mortality rates were high.

❌ But they also reinforced restrictive norms, confining women to strict behavioral expectations based on Confucian ideals.

For instance, the text advises pregnant women to:

• Avoid strenuous household labor.
• Refrain from handling sharp objects or consuming certain foods.
• Steer clear of unsettling sights and sounds.

While these guidelines likely had practical health benefits, they also reflect historical gender norms. Dr. Choi Hee-seok acknowledges this tension, arguing that while some ideas may seem outdated, they were progressive for their time—giving women the authority to demand better care during pregnancy.

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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Taegyo Singi (태교신기)

Even after two centuries, Taegyo Singi (태교신기) remains relevant in discussions on prenatal education.

✨ Its core message endures: The emphasis on maternal well-being and family involvement aligns with modern medical research.

🧐 Some ideas need reevaluation: Certain claims, such as the belief that looking at “ugly” things leads to birth defects, lack scientific validity.

📜 A valuable historical document: It stands as a significant intellectual contribution by a Joseon-era woman.

For English-speaking readers interested in traditional Korean prenatal education, Taegyo Singi (태교신기) is more than just a historical text—it embodies the enduring belief that virtue and character begin long before birth.