The cloud dream of the nine(Guunmong)
<Guunmong> , written by Seopo Kim Man-jung in 1687, is a fantasy story inspired by 'Josin’s Dream' from , 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. 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. is a precursor to other Chosun Dynasty dream novels like and . It was introduced to China and became known as during the Qing Dynasty. The plot structure is similar to by the Chinese author Jo Seol-geun, but predates . Some believe was influenced by . 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. 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.