Hong Kiltong (outlaw)

Hong Kiltong (Korean: 홍길동; Hanja: 洪吉同; RR: Hong Gildong; c. 1440–c. 1500) was a Korean outlaw from the Joseon period who is thought to have inspired the Joseon-era Korean novel Hong Gildong jeon, which features a protagonist of a similar name. He was the leader of a group of bandits during the reign of King Yeonsangun of Joseon, and is briefly mentioned in the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty.

While much of his life remains unknown, most Korean historians agree that his rebellion in Chungcheong Province became the inspiration behind the popular Korean novel.