Su Yang Rok: a Standard Format Journal used by Korean Soldiers: (Navy Blue, 180 Lined Pages with Simple Prompts)

Su Yang Rok, a Self-Cultivation JournalIn Korea, every able-bodied man is required to serve in the military. On entering bootcamp and committing to serve the greater good, soldiers are officially inducted and each receives a standard format journal known as the Su Yang Rok (수양록: A Record of Self Cultivation). Each person is trained to record a page of this journal on any day, every day, throughout the months and years of their service.What is a Su Yang Rok?Su Yang Rok originated from the practice of Hwarang – a school of aristocratic youths training in the art of war - during the Silla Dynasty (BC 57 – AD 935) of Korea. Like the soldiers today, the Hwarang were instructed to keep daily records of their personal development while serving the kingdom. These records were called the Su Yang Rok (수양록), literally meaning “a record of cleansing and developing one’s mind and body” for the greater good.Over the centuries, the practice of keeping a Su Yang Rok was taken up by the literate upper classes of subsequent dynasties on the Korean Peninsula. One notable example was Admiral Yi Sun Shin of Joseon, whose Su Yang Rok – widely known as the Wartime Diaries (난중일기: Nanjung Ilgi) - chronicled the Admiral’s daily reflections and resolutions during the Imjin War of 1592-1598. The Wartime Diaries, consisting of seven volumes, are now a designated National Treasure of Korea and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage.Implications and UsageThe Su Yang Rok, as conceived in its original form, serves as a continuing reminder of one’s commitment to a greater cause. Most often, it is kept as a record of one’s mind and body during a period of personal, familial, or organizational significance. A person aiming to complete a meaningful project or an important transition in life, for instance, may keep a Su Yang Rok for the duration of the endeavor. Likewise, a person may keep a copy of the Su Yang Rok during a period of waiting for a loved one who is serving in the military, on a foreign deployment, or away for studies.How to Keep a Su Yang RokBy principle, a Su Yang Rok is a journal that should be kept on a daily basis, without exception. It is designed so that you would enter the starting date of the project – and every subsequent dates – by yourself. This is to personally acknowledge the passage of time and to appreciate each new day that was given to you in pursuit of your goals. If you fail to make an entry due to extraordinary circumstances, you should leave the page blank – although you are allowed to make a retroactive entry based on your memory of the day. The content of the retroactive entry in this case must be limited to your reflections that took place on the missed date.Each volume of the Su Yang Rok consists of 180 journal pages, following the standard format employed by the Korean military. If used right, a volume of Su Yang Rok will last approximately six months – a period sufficient to form a compelling segment in your endeavor. Please feel free to use several pages at the back as “freedom pages” to suit your liking – you may record your inspirations, ideas, poems, or even cooking recipes that don’t fit into the standard flow of the journal in these back pages.At the end of your project (or waiting), mark the spines of your Su Yang Rok with the dates (2023.12.12. – 2025.06.11.) and the name of the project (or loved one). Your Su Yang Rok may or may not become the World Cultural Heritage like Admiral Yi’s, but they will become your personal legacy testifying to the passions and love that once made your heart beat.Note: The Su Yang Rok format employed in this journal is a modified version of the standard format issued to active-duty officers of the Korean military. Read more