Yejong of Joseon facts for kids

Yejong of Joseon (born February 12, 1450 – died December 31, 1469) was the 8th king of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. He became king in 1468, taking over from his father, King Sejo. Yejong was only 18 years old when he became king. Sadly, he was not very healthy and ruled for just over a year before he passed away.

During his short time as king, one important event happened. A general named Nam I was very famous. He had helped stop a big rebellion called Yi Si-ae's rebellion. General Nam I became the Minister of War when he was 28. But when Yejong became king, another official named Ryu Ja-gwang was jealous of Nam I. Ryu Ja-gwang told the king that Nam I was planning to go against him. This led to a trial where Nam I and another general, Gang Sun, were found guilty and executed. Ryu Ja-gwang then got a higher position. After this, Ryu Ja-gwang often accused other important officials.

Becoming King: Yejong's Early Life

Yi Hwang was born in 1450. He was the second son of Grand Prince Suyang and Lady Yun. When his father became King Sejo, Yi Hwang was known as Grand Prince Haeyang. He became the Crown Prince, meaning he was next in line to be king, when he was 8 years old. This happened after his older brother, Crown Prince Uigyeong, died suddenly.

In 1468, when Yejong was 19, his father King Sejo decided to step down from the throne. Because Yejong was still young and had always been a bit weak, his mother, Queen Jeonghui, helped him rule the country. She made many of the important decisions. Three trusted officials, chosen by King Sejo, also helped the Queen.

Key Events During Yejong's Reign

Even though King Yejong ruled for only about 14 months, some important things happened.

• In 1468, the case involving General Nam I had a big impact on how Joseon was governed.
• Just before King Yejong died in 1469, Joseon stopped all trade with Japan.
• King Yejong also gave common farmers the right to farm lands that used to belong only to the military. This was a big change for many people.

King Yejong died when he was only 20 years old. His tomb is in Goyang, which is in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. After Yejong's death, his own son did not become the next king. Instead, his nephew, Prince Jalsan, became the new king. Prince Jalsan was the second son of Yejong's older brother, Crown Prince Uigyeong. He later became known as King Seongjong.

Yejong's Royal Family

• Father: King Sejo of Joseon (born 1417 – died 1468)
  • Grandfather: King Sejong of Joseon (born 1397 – died 1450)
  • Grandmother: Queen Soheon of the Cheongsong Shim clan (born 1395 – died 1446)
• Mother: Queen Jeonghui of the Papyeong Yun clan (born 1418 – died 1483)
  • Grandfather: Yun Beon (born 1384 - died 1448)
  • Grandmother: Lady Yi of the Incheon Yi clan (born 1383 – died 1456)
• Wives and Children:
  • Queen Jangsun of the Cheongju Han clan (born 1445 – died 1462)
    • Yi Bun, Grand Prince Inseong (born 1461 – died 1463)
  • Queen Ansun of the Cheongju Han clan (born 1445 – died 1499)
    • Princess Hyeonsuk (born 1464 – died 1502)
    • Yi Hyeon, Grand Prince Jean (born 1466 – died 1525)
    • Princess Hyesun (born 1468 – died 1469)
  • Royal Noble Consort Gong of the Jeonju Choe clan
  • Court Lady Gi
  • Lady Yi

Yejong's Full Royal Name

• King Yejong Yangdo Heummun Seongmu Euiin Sohyo the Great
• 예종양도흠문성무의인소효대왕
• 睿宗襄悼欽文聖武懿仁昭孝大王