Queen Jeongsun facts for kids

Queen Jeongsun (정순왕후 김씨; 2 December 1745 – 11 February 1805) was a powerful queen of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. She belonged to the Gyeongju Kim clan. She was the second wife of King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler of Joseon.

Queen Jeongsun was Queen consort from 1759 until her husband's death in 1776. After that, she was known as Queen Dowager Yesun during the reign of her step-grandson, King Jeongjo. Later, she became Grand Queen Dowager Yesun when her step-great-grandson, King Sunjo, took the throne. She even ruled Joseon as a regent for a few years.

Life of Queen Jeongsun

Early Years

Queen Jeongsun was born on 2 February 1745. Her father was Kim Han-gu, and her mother was Lady Wonpung of the Wonju Won clan. She came from the wealthy Gyeongju Kim clan. Her hometown was Yeoju, in Gyeonggi Province. She had an older brother and a younger brother.

Becoming Queen

In 1757, King Yeongjo's first wife, Queen Jeongseong, passed away. The King then began looking for a new queen. He held special bridal selections to choose his next wife.

On 9 June 1759, the young Queen Jeongsun was chosen. During the selection, King Yeongjo asked the candidates a tricky question: "What is the deepest thing in the world?" Many answered with things like mountains or the sea. But Queen Jeongsun wisely said, "The human heart." This answer impressed the King very much.

He then asked about the most beautiful flower. She replied, "The cotton flower is the most beautiful. Even though it doesn't have a strong scent or fancy look, it warms people by providing thread for clothes."

On 22 June 1759, Queen Jeongsun officially married King Yeongjo at Changgyeong Palace. This was a very unusual marriage for its time. King Yeongjo was 64 years old, and Queen Jeongsun was only 13. She was even 10 years younger than the King's son and heir, Crown Prince Sado.

After the marriage, her father, Kim Han-gu, received the royal title "Internal Prince Oheung." Her mother was given the title "Internal Princess Consort Wonpung of the Wonju Won Clan."

The Queen was known for being quite strong-willed, even with her husband. She and King Yeongjo shared a deep affection. However, they did not have any children together.

Life as Queen Dowager

In 1762, Crown Prince Sado died. His son, Yi San, became the new heir. When King Yeongjo passed away on 22 April 1776, Yi San became the 22nd Joseon ruler, known as King Jeongjo. As the widow of the previous king, Queen Jeongsun was honored as Queen Dowager Yesun.

At first, there was some tension between Queen Dowager Yesun and King Jeongjo. Her older brother, Kim Gwi-ju, was involved in some political disagreements. King Jeongjo sent Kim Gwi-ju away to Heuksan Island. This created a quiet disagreement between the Queen Dowager and the young King.

Queen as Regent

In 1800, King Jeongjo died at age 49. His 10-year-old son, Yi Gong, became the next king, King Sunjo. Because King Sunjo was so young, Queen Jeongsun became the Grand Queen Dowager and acted as the regent. This meant she ruled the country until King Sunjo was old enough. She held this power until 1803, when she decided to step down.

During her time as regent, Queen Jeongsun made some big changes. She changed some of the policies that King Jeongjo had put in place. She also favored a political group called the Noron Byeokpa.

In 1802, she arranged for Kim Jo-sun's daughter to marry King Sunjo. This daughter later became Queen Sunwon. After this marriage, Queen Jeongsun decided to give up her role as regent.

On 11 February 1805, Queen Jeongsun passed away at Changdeokgung Palace. She was given the posthumous name Queen Jeongsun.

Burial Site

Queen Jeongsun is buried with her husband, King Yeongjo, and his first wife, Queen Jeongseong. Their tomb is called Wonneung (원릉, 元陵). It is located in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, as part of the Donggureung royal tombs.

Family

• Father: Kim Han-gu (김한구, 金漢耉) (1723–1769)
• Mother: Internal Princess Consort Wonpung of the Wonju Won clan (원풍부부인 원주 원씨) (1722–1769)
• Older brother: Kim Gwi-joo (김귀주, 金龜柱) (1740–1786)
• Younger brother: Kim In-ju (김인주, 金麟柱)
• Husband: Yi Geum, King Yeongjo (조선 영조) (1694–1776)
  • Father-in-law: Yi Sun, King Sukjong (숙종대왕) (1661–1720)
  • Mother-in-law: Royal Noble Consort Suk of the Haeju Choi clan (숙빈 최씨) (1670–1718)