Queen Gongwon facts for kids

Queen Gongwon (Hangul: 공원왕후 홍씨; Hanja: 恭元王后 洪氏) was an important queen in the Goryeo kingdom. She was born on August 25, 1298, and lived until February 12, 1380. People often called her Queen Mother Myeongdeok (Hangul: 명덕태후; Hanja: 明德太后). She was the fourth wife of King Chungsuk and the mother of two future kings, King Chunghye and King Gongmin.

The Life of Queen Gongwon

Early Years and Family

Queen Gongwon was born into the Namyang Hong clan. Her father was Hong Gyu, and she was his fifth daughter. Her mother was from the Gwangju Gim clan. One of her older sisters, Lady Sunhwa, was also a wife of a king, King Chungseon.

Becoming a Queen

In 1313, when she was 16 years old, she married King Chungsuk. She was given the title Virtuous Consort Hong. Her parents also received special honorary titles. People said she was very smart and organized when she was young. After she joined the palace, she was careful to follow all the rules and was well-liked by the King.

In 1315, she had her first son, named Wang Jeong, who later became King Chunghye. Even though she was the King's first wife, Goryeo kings often had to marry princesses from the Yuan Dynasty (a powerful empire at the time). Because of this, Queen Gongwon sometimes had to stay outside the palace. But King Chungsuk loved her so much that he would often leave the palace to be with her. This made the Yuan Princess, Yilianzhenbala, very jealous.

In 1318, there was an incident at a royal banquet. The Yuan Princess became very jealous when the King showed attention to Queen Gongwon. This led to an argument. After this, the Yuan Princess sadly passed away a year later. Another princess, Jintong, also died after childbirth. These events brought King Chungsuk and Queen Gongwon closer. In 1330, she gave birth to her second son, Wang Gi, who later became King Gongmin.

Challenges and Return to the Palace

Soon after her second son was born, King Chungsuk gave up his throne to their first son, Jeong. At this time, Queen Gongwon's relationship with the King became difficult. She was sent away from the palace and was not allowed to see her son. However, in 1332, after two years, King Chungsuk became king again. He brought Queen Gongwon back to the capital city of Gaegyeong.

Life During Her Sons' Reigns

During the rule of her first son, King Chunghye, Queen Gongwon's home was called Deokgyeong Mansion. Later, when her second son, King Gongmin, became king, the name of her residence changed to Munye Mansion. King Gongmin also gave her the new title of Grand Consort or Dowager Consort and later, Royal Queen Mother Sungyeong.

Queen Gongwon sometimes disagreed with King Gongmin's strong reform policies, especially when he removed officials who stood in the way of his changes. She spoke up about her concerns. However, after a powerful official named Sin Don was removed, her relationship with her son improved.

After King Gongmin passed away, her grandson, King U, became the new king. In 1376, the birth mother of King U, a woman named Ban-Ya, tried to enter Queen Gongwon's residence. She wanted to be recognized as the King's mother. Queen Gongwon refused to let her in, and Ban-Ya was later removed from the palace.

Later Life and Passing

Queen Gongwon lived for 40 years after her husband, King Chungsuk, died. She passed away on February 12, 1380, at the age of 81. She was given a special Posthumous name and was buried in the Yeongneung tomb. After her death, some of her relatives and supporters were removed from their positions in the government.