Much of what is known about Wu Mingji is contained in the preface to "Chaoxian shi xuan". Wu visited Korea twice during the Imjin War, as an advisor to the Ming expeditionary army. Wu was able to meet with many of the Korean literati. In 1598, he met with Heo Gyun, one of the leading scholars of the Joseon kingdom. Heo composed a poem in Wu's honour, in which he celebrated the common brotherhood of men despite their nationalities. On his second tour of Korea, Wu Mingqi made a concerted effort to collect the works of Korean poets.