A Basic Guide to Writing Sijo

Sijo Structure: 3 Lines, 6 Phrases, 12 Segments

Sijo (시조, pronounced SHEE-jo) is a traditional Korean poetic form. Originally composed to be sung, sijo is lyrical and rhythmic. It can explore virtually any subject, including nature, love, everyday life, human relationships, humor, politics, philosophy, and metaphysical questions.

A standard sijo, called pyeong-sijo (평시조), consists of three lines, each containing approximately 14–16 syllables, for a total of about 45 syllables.

Each line contains two phrases, and each phrase consists of two segments. Altogether, a standard sijo has 3 lines, 6 phrases, and 12 segments.

The basic syllable patterns are:

• First line: 3–4–4–4
• Second line: 3–4–4–4
• Third line: 3–5–4–3

The numbers indicate the approximate syllable counts of the four segments in each line. Slight variations are allowed, but the overall rhythm should be maintained. The third line traditionally begins with a three-syllable segment followed by a five-syllable segment.

In English, sijo may be presented in three long lines or six shorter lines. In the six-line presentation, each written line represents one phrase. The underlying three-line structure remains the same.

The Role of Each Line

• First line — Introduction: Introduces a subject, image, situation, or idea.
• Second line — Development: Expands or deepens what has been introduced.
• Third line — Conclusion: Brings the poem to a meaningful ending through reflection, resolution, or a final thought.

The third line often introduces a turn—a change in thought, image, mood, or perspective. Such a change can make the poem more engaging and memorable, but it need not be dramatic or surprising. A meaningful conclusion is more important than an unexpected twist.

Example: Untitled

Sasha A. Palmer — Winner, 2023 Sejong International Sijo Competition

Syllable Breakdown

The following shows the poem’s 12 segments and their syllable counts.

• First line — Introduction (3–4–4–4)
  A bottle (3) / tossed on the shore (4) / by someone’s hand (4) / breaks to pieces (4)
• Second line — Development (3–4–4–4)
  yet survives (3) / worn by the waves (4) / becomes sea glass (4) / frosted and smooth (4)
• Third line — Conclusion (3–5–4–3)
  Shattered hearts (3) / do not heal with time (5) / their burning shards (4) / remain sharp (3)
• Total: 45 syllables — 3 lines, 6 phrases, 12 segments.

The first line introduces an image: a bottle, tossed on the shore, breaks to pieces. The second develops it: the broken glass survives, and the waves wear it into smooth, frosted sea glass. The third turns from the bottle to the human heart, and the contrast becomes the conclusion: unlike sea glass, shattered hearts are not smoothed by time—their shards remain sharp.

The change in perspective is meaningful without relying on a dramatic surprise.

Another Example: “Breakfast”

Linda Sue Park — from Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems), Clarion Books

This playful sijo shows that poetry can be about something as ordinary as breakfast. The first structural line introduces people’s familiar breakfast preferences. The second develops the idea with examples of breakfast foods. The third begins with a three-syllable turn—“Or—warm, soft”—and concludes with an unexpected alternative: a few extra minutes in bed.

“Breakfast” contains approximately 46 syllables across its three structural lines (15, 16, and 15). It illustrates how English sijo can allow slight variations in syllable count while maintaining the poem’s overall rhythm.

The turn in “Breakfast” is playful and surprising, while the turn in the sea-glass sijo is quiet and serious. Both show how the third line can bring a poem to a memorable conclusion.

Where the Pattern Comes From

The 3–4–4–4 / 3–5–4–3 pattern comes from the Korean language, in which each Hangul character block is one syllable. This classic sijo by Yang Sa-eon (양사언, 1517–1584), one of the best-known sijo in Korea, shows the pattern in its original form.

Syllable counts in the Korean original:

• 태산이 (3) / 높다 하되 (4) / 하늘 아래 (4) / 뫼이로다 (4)
• 오르고 (3) / 또 오르면 (4) / 못 오를 리 (4) / 없건마는 (4)
• 사람이 (3) / 제 아니 오르고 (6) / 뫼만 높다 (4) / 하더라 (3)

Total: 46 syllables (15, 15, 16)

English translation:

The first two lines follow the 3–4–4–4 pattern exactly. The third line opens with a three-syllable turn—사람이 (“people”)—shifting attention from the mountain to those who will not climb it, and then concludes the poem. Its slightly longer second segment (6 syllables) is typical of the third line in classic sijo. The English translation keeps each line within the 14–16 syllable range (15, 14, and 15).

A Brief History of Sijo

Sijo developed in Korea during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) and flourished during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Originally sung, early sijo were transmitted through oral performance before being recorded in writing. Sijo became an important form of Korean lyric poetry and continues to be written today in Korean, English, and many other languages.