Seongjong of Joseon facts for kids

Seongjong of Joseon (born August 19, 1457 – died January 20, 1495), whose personal name was Yi Hyeol, was the ninth king of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. He became king in 1469 after his uncle, King Yejong, and ruled for 25 years until 1494.

The Life of King Seongjong

Early Years

Seongjong was born as the second son of Crown Prince Uigyeong and Crown Princess Su. Sadly, his father passed away just a few months after Seongjong was born.

In 1461, he was given the title Prince Jasan. Later, in 1468, his title changed to Prince Jalsan. In 1467, when he was still Prince Jasan, he married the daughter of a powerful official named Han Myeong-hoe.

When Seongjong became king, his father was given the special title of King Deokjong. His mother was also given the title of Queen Insu.

King Yejong, Seongjong's uncle, died without any more sons. So, Queen Jeonghui, Seongjong's grandmother, chose him to be the next king.

Becoming King and Ruling the Country

Seongjong was only 12 years old when he became king. Because he was so young, his grandmother, Queen Jeonghui, helped him rule the country. His mother, Queen Insu, and Queen Ansun also helped.

In 1476, when Seongjong turned 19, he started to rule the country by himself. He sent out official papers, written in the Korean alphabet Hangul, to let everyone know he was now in charge.

When he began his solo rule, he chose Queen Yun as his new queen, as his first wife had passed away.

A Time of Growth and Learning

King Seongjong was very dedicated to learning, even when he was young. He often met with his officials three times a day to discuss important matters. This was an old Joseon tradition that he brought back.

His time as king was a period of great success and economic growth for the country. This was built on the strong laws created by earlier kings like Taejong, Sejong, and Sejo. Seongjong himself was a very talented ruler.

In 1474, a complete set of laws, which King Sejo had started, was finished and put into use. Seongjong also made sure these laws were reviewed and improved.

Besides laws, King Seongjong strongly supported Confucian scholars. He made the Hongmungwan much bigger. This was the royal library and also a group of advisors to the king. He also made the Three Offices stronger. These offices (Hongmungwan, Office of Inspector General, and Office of Censors) helped keep the royal court in check.

For the first time since King Sejong, Seongjong invited many liberal Confucian scholars to his court. These scholars had different ideas from the older, more traditional officials. By doing this, he made his rule more effective by choosing skilled people, no matter their political views. This led to many good changes and increased his support.

King Seongjong was also an artist and a scholar himself. He enjoyed discussing politics with the more liberal scholars. He encouraged scholars to write many books about geography and social manners. They also wrote books on other topics that helped the common people.

Military Actions

Like many kings before him, Seongjong sent military groups to fight against the Jurchens on the northern border in 1491. The campaign, led by General Heo Jong, was successful. The Jurchens, led by Udige, were defeated and moved north of the Amrok River.

King Seongjong was followed by his son, Yeonsangun, and later by another son, Jungjong.

Family Life

King Seongjong had many family members.

• His biological father was Deokjong of Joseon.
• His biological mother was Queen Sohye.
• He had three main queens:
  • Queen Gonghye (who had no children).
  • Deposed Queen Yun (who was the mother of Crown Prince Yi Yung, who later became King Yeonsangun).
  • Queen Jeonghyeon (who was the mother of Yi Yeok, who later became King Jungjong).

He also had many other royal consorts and several children, including princes and princesses.

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See also

In Spanish: Seongjong de Joseon para niños