Queen Jeonghui facts for kids

Queen Jeonghui (born December 8, 1418 – died May 6, 1483) was a powerful queen in the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. She was born into the Papyeong Yun clan. Her original name is not known, but "Jeonghui" was a special name given to her after she passed away.

She was the wife of King Sejo. She served as Queen of Joseon from 1455 until her husband's death in 1468. After that, she became known as Queen Dowager Jaseong when her son, King Yejong, ruled. Later, she became Grand Queen Dowager Jaseong during the reign of her grandson, King Seongjong.

Queen Jeonghui was the first royal woman in Joseon to receive the title of Grand Queen Dowager. She also acted as a regent, meaning she ruled the country for her young grandson, King Seongjong, from 1468 to 1476. Her daughter-in-law, Queen Insu, helped her as an adviser during this time.

Life Story of Queen Jeonghui

Growing Up and Marriage

Queen Jeonghui was born on December 8, 1418. She was the ninth of ten children. Her father, Yun Beon, later became a very important government official called the Chief State Councillor. Her mother was Lady Yi from the Incheon Yi clan.

When she was ten years old, in 1428, she married Grand Prince Suyang. He later became King Sejo. She received special titles like Grand Princess Consort Samhanguk and later Grand Internal Princess Consort Nakrang.

In 1455, her husband became king after a big change in power. This made Lady Yun the Queen of Joseon.

Queen Jeonghui's Time as Regent

In 1469, her son, King Yejong, passed away suddenly when he was only 20 years old. His youngest nephew, Prince Jalsan, became the next king. Prince Jalsan was Queen Jeonghui's grandson. He was chosen even though King Yejong had his own son. One reason was that King Yejong's son was too young. Another reason was that Prince Jalsan was married to the daughter of a powerful official named Han Myeong-hoe.

Since King Seongjong was only 13 years old, Queen Jeonghui took charge as the regent. This meant she ruled the country until her grandson was old enough. Her daughter-in-law, Queen Insu, also helped her.

During her time as regent, Queen Jeonghui made some important changes. For example, ordinary farmers were allowed to use land that used to belong only to the military. Also, in 1474, a new set of laws was finished and put into use. This law code had been started by her husband, King Sejo.

Later Years

Queen Jeonghui stopped being regent in 1477. She passed away on May 6, 1483, during the fourteenth year of King Seongjong's rule.

Royal Family Connections

Queen Jeonghui had a large family. Here are some of her closest relatives:

Parents

• Father: Yun Beon (1384 - 1448), a very important official.
• Mother: Grand Internal Princess Consort Heungnyeong of the Incheon Yi clan (1383 - 1456).

Brothers and Sisters

Queen Jeonghui had six older sisters, two older brothers, and one younger brother.

• Older brother: Yun Sa-bun (1401 - 1471).
• Older brother: Yun Sa-yun (1409 - 1461).
• Younger brother: Yun Sa-heun (1422 - 1485).

Husband

• King Sejo of Joseon (1417 – 1468).
  • His mother was Queen Soheon.
  • His father was King Sejong.

Children

Queen Jeonghui and King Sejo had four children:

• Son: Yi Jang, Crown Prince Uigyeong (1438 – 1457).
  • His wife was Queen Sohye.
    • Grandson: Yi Jeong, Grand Prince Wolsan (1455 - 1489).
    • Granddaughter: Princess Myeongsuk (1456 - 1482).
    • Grandson: Yi Hyeol, King Seongjong (1457 - 1495). He became king.
• Daughter: Yi Se-seon, Princess Uisuk (1441 – 1477).
• Son: Yi Hwang, King Yejong (1450 – 1469). He also became king.
• Daughter: Yi Se-hui, Princess Uiryeong.