Lee Mong-ryong, the son of the magistrate of Namwon in Jeolla Province, goes for a stroll at Gwanghallu Pavilion and falls for the beauty of Chunhyang, the daughter of Wolmae, a kisaeng. As their love deepens, Mong-ryong leaves Namwon to follow his father, who is transferred to Hanyang. At this time, Byun Hak-do is appointed as the magistrate of Namwon and forces Chunhyang to serve him, but when Chunhyang refuses even under severe torture, the enraged Magistrate Byun decides to kill her. Just then, Mong-ryong, who has passed the royal examination and is disguised as a beggar, arrives in Namwon, drives out Magistrate Byun, and rescues Chunhyang, leading to their reunion.