Sejo of Joseon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sejo of Joseon朝鮮世祖 조선 세조 |
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| King Emeritus of Joseon | |||||||||
| Tenure | 22 – 23 September 1468 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Danjong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Successor | Jungjong of Joseon | ||||||||
| King of Joseon | |||||||||
| Reign | 24 June 1455 – 22 September 1468 | ||||||||
| Coronation | Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbok Palace, Hanseong, Kingdom of Joseon | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Danjong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Successor | Yejong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Chief State Councillor | |||||||||
| In office | 10 October 1453 – 24 June 1455 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Hwangbo In | ||||||||
| Successor | Jeong In-ji | ||||||||
| Monarch | Danjong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Born | Yi Yu (이유, 李瑈) 2 November 1417 Grand Prince Chungnyeong's private residence, Hanseong, Kingdom of Joseon |
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| Died | 23 September 1468 (aged 50) Sugang Palace, Hanseong, Kingdom of Joseon |
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| Burial | Gwangneung Tombs, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea | ||||||||
| Spouse(s) | |||||||||
| Issue | Yejong of Joseon | ||||||||
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| Clan | Jeonju Yi clan | ||||||||
| Dynasty | House of Yi | ||||||||
| Father | Sejong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Mother | Queen Soheon | ||||||||
| Religion | Korean Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism) → Korean Buddhism | ||||||||
| Signature |  |
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| Korean name | |
| Hangul | |
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| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Sejo |
| McCune–Reischauer | Secho |
| Birth name | |
| Hangul | |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | I Yu |
| McCune–Reischauer | Yi Yu |
| Courtesy name | |
| Hangul | |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Suji |
| McCune–Reischauer | Suchi |
Sejo of Joseon (born November 2, 1417 – died September 23, 1468) was the seventh ruler of the Joseon dynasty in Korea. His personal name was Yi Yu. He was also known as Grand Prince Suyang. Sejo was the second son of Sejong the Great, a famous king. He was also the uncle of King Danjong. In 1455, Sejo took the throne from his young nephew.
Contents
Biography of King Sejo
Early Life and Skills
Yi Yu was born in 1417. He was the fourth child and second son of Grand Prince Chungnyeong, who later became King Sejong. His mother was Lady Shim, who became Queen Soheon. From a young age, Yi Yu showed many talents. He was very good at archery, riding horses, and martial arts. He was also a skilled military leader, even though he never fought in battles himself. In 1428, he received the important title of Grand Prince Suyang.
How Sejo Became King
After King Sejong passed away in 1450, Sejo's older brother, Yi Hyang, became King Munjong. However, King Munjong was ill and died just two years later. The crown then went to his son, Yi Hong-wi, who was only 12 years old. This young king is known as King Danjong.
Because King Danjong was so young, the government was run by powerful officials. The main leaders were Hwangbo In, the Chief State Councillor, and General Gim Jong-seo. These officials started to gain more power. This caused a lot of tension between them and Grand Prince Suyang. Suyang, along with his younger brother, Grand Prince Anpyeong, also wanted to control the country.
In 1452, Suyang became an ambassador to the Ming dynasty in China. This helped him gain support. He also gathered loyal friends, like his smart advisor, Han Myeong-hoe. Han Myeong-hoe told him to take control of the government. In 1453, Suyang acted. He removed Gim Jong-seo and his group from power. After this, he took control of the government himself. He even sent his own brother, Grand Prince Anpyeong, away and later had him removed.
Finally, in 1455, Suyang made the young King Danjong give up his throne. Suyang then declared himself the new ruler of Joseon. He is known by his temple name, "Sejo."
Sejo's Rule and Achievements
Even though Sejo took the throne from his young nephew, he became one of Korea's most capable rulers. He was a strong leader and a good administrator.
- Strong Monarchy: Sejo continued the work of King Taejong. He made the king's power stronger. He did this by reducing the power of the State Council. This meant officials reported directly to the king.
- Better Administration: He improved the way the government was run. This system helped the government count the population accurately. It also helped them organize troops effectively.
- Foreign Policy: Like King Taejong, Sejo was tough on foreign policy. He led attacks against the Jurchens in the north in 1460 and 1467.
- Economic Reforms: He changed land laws to help the country's economy.
- Books and Knowledge: Sejo encouraged the printing of many books. These books were about history, economy, farming, and religion.
- His Own Writings: Sejo also wrote several books himself. One important book was Seokbosangjeol, which was a biography of Gautama Buddha. Other books he wrote include Worinseokbo and Yeokdaebyeongyo.
- The Grand Code: Most importantly, he created the Grand Code for State Administration. This book became the foundation for how the Joseon dynasty was governed. It was the first written set of constitutional laws in Korea.
The End of Sejo's Reign
King Sejo passed away in 1468. His second son, Yi Hwang, who was often sick, then became King Yejong. Sejo's tomb is called Gwangneung. It is located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
Sejo's Family
- Father: King Sejong of Joseon (1397 – 1450)
- Mother: Queen Soheon of the Cheongsong Shim clan (1395 – 1446)
- Main Wife: Queen Jeonghui of the Papyeong Yun clan (1418 – 1483)
- First Son: Yi Jang, Crown Prince Uigyeong (1438 – 1457)
- Third Son: Yi Hwang, Grand Prince Haeyang (1450 – 1469), who became King Yejong.
See also
- List of monarchs of Korea
- Korean–Jurchen border conflicts
