Chun Hyang is set on the eve of the 18th century in Korea's Joseon Dynasty. Mong Ryong is the studious 16-year-old son of a Governor who, as the film opens, is about to go away for several years to take exams to become a state official. Before he buckles down, Mong Ryong does a bit of sightseeing with his servant, Pang Ja. One day, he lays eyes on a beautiful girl named Chun Hyang and falls in love with her, despite the differences in their social status (she's the daughter of a gisaeng). Mong Ryong promises to marry Chun Hyang, as soon as he returns from his exams. She agrees to wait, but, in the meantime, a new Governor has taken control of the province. He hears of Chun Hyang he tries to make the young woman his mistress. She refuses and is badly beaten and given the death sentence.
