Taejong of Joseon

Taejong of Joseon (16 May 1367 – 10 May 1422),[lower-roman 1] personal name Yi Bang-won (Korean: 이방원; Hanja: 李芳遠), was the third ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea and the father of Sejong the Great.[1] He was the fifth son of King Taejo, the founder of the dynasty. Before ascending to the throne, he was known as Prince Jeongan (Korean: 정안군; Hanja: 靖安君).

Not to be confused with Taejo of Joseon.
Taejong of Joseon
朝鮮太宗
조선 태종
Statues at the tomb of King Taejong
Grand King Emeritus of Joseon
Tenure12 September 1421 – 10 May 1422
PredecessorTaejo
SuccessorSejo
King Emeritus of Joseon
Tenure10 August 1418 – 12 September 1422
PredecessorJeongjong
SuccessorDanjong
King of Joseon
Reign13 November 1400 – 10 August 1418
EnthronementSuchang Palace, Gaegyeong
PredecessorJeongjong
SuccessorSejong
Crown Prince of Joseon
Tenure4 February 1400 – 13 November 1400
PredecessorCrown Prince Yi Bang-gwa
SuccessorCrown Prince Yi Je
BornYi Bang-won (이방원; 李芳遠)
16 May 1367
Yi Seong-gye's private residence, Dongbuk-myeon, Goryeo (present-day Hamhŭng, South Hamgyŏng Province, North Korea)
Died10 May 1422(1422-05-10) (aged 54)
Sugang Palace, Hanseong, Joseon
Burial
Heonneung Mausoleum, Heoninneung Cluster, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1382; died 1420)​
Issue
among others...		Sejong of Joseon
Era name and dates
Adopted the era name of the Ming dynasty:
  • Geonmun (Jianwen) (건문; 建文): 1400–1402
  • Hongmu (Hongwu) (홍무; 洪武): 1402
  • Yeongnak (Yongle) (영락; 永樂): 1403–1418
Posthumous name
  • Joseon: King Gongjeong Seondeok Singong Munmu Gwanghyo the Great
    • 공정성덕신공문무광효대왕
    • 恭定聖德神功文武光孝大王
  • Ming dynasty: Gongjeong (공정; 恭定)
Temple name
Taejong (태종; 太宗)
ClanJeonju Yi clan
DynastyHouse of Yi
FatherTaejo of Joseon
MotherQueen Sinui
ReligionKorean Buddhism → Korean Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism)
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationTaejong
McCune–ReischauerT'aejong
Birth name
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationI Bangwon
McCune–ReischauerYi Pangwŏn
Courtesy name
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationYudeok
McCune–ReischauerYutŏk
Monarchs of Korea
Joseon monarchs
Taejo 1392–1398
Jeongjong 1398–1400
Taejong 1400–1418
Sejong 1418–1450
Munjong 1450–1452
Danjong 1452–1455
Sejo 1455–1468
Yejong 1468–1469
Seongjong 1469–1494
Yeonsangun 1494–1506
Jungjong 1506–1544
Injong 1544–1545
Myeongjong 1545–1567
Seonjo 1567–1608
Gwanghaegun 1608–1623
Injo 1623–1649
Hyojong 1649–1659
Hyeonjong 1659–1674
Sukjong 1674–1720
Gyeongjong 1720–1724
Yeongjo 1724–1776
Jeongjo 1776–1800
Sunjo 1800–1834
Heonjong 1834–1849
Cheoljong 1849–1864
Gojong 1864–1897

Biography

Early life and founding of Joseon

Born in 1367 as the fifth son of Yi Seong-gye and his first wife Lady Han, Yi Bang-won qualified as an official in 1382. He studied under Confucian scholars such as Won Cheon-seok.[2][3] During his early years, he assisted his father in gathering the support of the commoners and of many influential figures in the government; Yi Bang-won also helped in the founding of Joseon by assassinating powerful officials who remained loyal to Goryeo, most prominently Jeong Mong-ju.

Strifes of Princes

After contributing heavily to the overthrowing of the previous dynasty and the establishment of Joseon, he expected to be appointed as successor to the throne. However, his father and Chief State Councillor Jeong Do-jeon favored Taejo's eighth son and Yi Bang-won's youngest half-brother (second son of Queen Sindeok), Yi Bang-seok. This conflict arose chiefly because Jeong Do-jeon, as the principal architect of the ideological, institutional and legal foundations of the new dynasty, saw Joseon as a kingdom led by its ministers by virtue of the king's appointment. In contrast, Yi Bang-won sought direct rule through an absolute monarchy. These differences ultimately contributed to an environment of deep political tension.

In 1398, following the sudden death of Queen Sindeok, Yi Bang-won led a coup d'état while King Taejo was still in mourning for his second wife. This event led to the deaths of Jeong Do-jeon and his supporters, as well as the deaths of the late Queen Sindeok's two sons, including the crown prince. The incident became known as the 'First Strife of Princes' (제1차 왕자의 난). Aghast at the fact that his sons were willing to kill each other for the crown, and psychologically exhausted by the death of his second wife, Taejo abdicated; his eldest surviving son, Yi Bang-gwa (posthumously King Jeongjong), immediately became the new ruler.

Yi Bang-won quickly emerged as the real force behind the throne and was soon in conflict with his disgruntled elder brother, Yi Bang-gan, who also yearned for power. In 1400, General Park Bo, who found the rewards for his deeds during the First Strife of Princes lacking, allied with Yi Bang-gan and rebelled in what came to be known as the 'Second Strife of Princes' (제2차 왕자의 난). Yi Bang-won successfully defeated his brother's forces, then executed Park Bo and sent Yi Bang-gan into exile. King Jeongjong, now fearful of his formidable younger brother, named Yi Bang-won his successor and abdicated in the same year. At long last, Yi Bang-won (posthumously King Taejong), assumed the throne of Joseon and became the dynasty's third monarch.[4]

Consolidation of royal power

One of Taejong's first acts as king was to abolish the privilege to maintain private armies which was enjoyed by the aristocracy and the upper echelons of the government. His revoking of the right to keep independent forces effectively severed the upper class' ability to muster large-scale revolts, and drastically increased the number of soldiers employed by the national army.

Taejong's next act was to revise the existing legislation concerning land taxation. With the discovery of previously hidden land, national wealth increased twofold.[5]

In addition, Taejong created a strong central government. In 1400, before taking the throne, he had played a key role in eradicating the Dopyeong Assembly, a branch of the old administration that had monopolized the executive power during the waning years of Goryeo, in favor of the Privy Council; during Taejong's reign, the Privy Council was replaced by the State Council. Taejong also issued a decree according to which all decisions passed by the State Council could only come into effect with the approval of the king. This ended the custom of court ministers making decisions through debate and negotiations among themselves, and thus brought the royal authority to new heights.

Shortly thereafter, Taejong installed a new department known as the Sinmun Office, to hear cases in which aggrieved subjects felt that they had been exploited or treated unjustly by officials or aristocrats. He also placed a big drum in front of the palace, so the common people could beat it to request an audience with the king when they experienced important problems.

Reforms and policies

Depite being the one responsible for Jeong Mong-ju's assassination, Taejong posthumously honored him as Chief State Councillor, leading to a great irony — Jeong Do-jeon, whose policies governed Joseon for five centuries, was vilified throughout the dynasty, while Jeong Mong-ju was revered in spite of his opposition to its founding.

Taejong promoted Confucianism as the state ideology, thus demoting Buddhism, which consequently never recovered the glory and great power it had enjoyed during the Goryeo period. He closed many Buddhist temples; their vast possessions were seized and added to the national treasury.

In foreign policy, he was a straight hardliner — he attacked the Jurchens at the northern border and the Japanese pirates on the southern coast. Taejong is also remembered for being the initiator behind the Ōei Invasion of Tsushima Island in 1419.

He set up the system of hopae, an early form of identification which consisted of tags recording the bearer's name and residence; those tags were used to control the movements of the population.[6]

In 1403, Taejong ordered 100,000 pieces of metal type and two complete fonts. Predating Gutenberg and Laurens Janszoon by several decades, he accomplished the metal movable type.[7][8][9][10]

He promoted publications, commerce and education, and also gave full independence to the Uigeumbu (roughly equivalent to the Supreme Court).

Later life and death

In 1418, Taejong abdicated in favor of his third legitimate son, Yi Do (posthumously Sejong the Great), but continued to rule with an iron fist and decide on important matters.

Along the years, as a means to strengthen royal authority and subdue corruption, he executed or exiled some of the supporters who helped him ascend to the throne, and executed the four brothers of his wife Queen Wongyeong, as well as Sejong's father-in-law Shim On and his younger brother Shim Jeong, in order to limit the influence of in-laws and powerful clans.

King Taejong died four years after his abdication, on 10 May 1422, in Sugang Palace. He was buried alongside Queen Wongyeong at Heonneung (헌릉), Heoninneung Cluster, in present-day Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea.

Legacy

Taejong remains a controversial figure in Korean history who eliminated many of his rivals (such as Jeong Mong-ju and Jeong Do-jeon) and yet ruled effectively to improve the populace's lives, strengthen national defense, and lay down a solid foundation for his successor's reign.[11]

Family

Consorts and their respective issue(s):

  1. Queen Wongyeong of the Yeoheung Min clan (원경왕후 민씨) (11 July 1365 – 10 July 1420)[lower-roman 5]
    1. Princess Jeongsun (정순공주) (1385 – 25 August 1460), first daughter[lower-roman 6][lower-roman 7][lower-roman 8]
    2. Princess Gyeongjeong (경정공주) (1387 – 6 June 1455), second daughter[lower-roman 9][lower-roman 10]
    3. First son[lower-roman 11]
    4. Second son[lower-roman 11]
    5. Third son[lower-roman 11]
    6. Princess Gyeongan (경안공주) (1393 – 22 April 1415), third daughter[lower-roman 12][lower-roman 13]
    7. Yi Je, Grand Prince Yangnyeong (양녕대군 이제) (1394 – 7 September 1462), first (fourth) son[lower-roman 14][lower-roman 15][lower-roman 16]
    8. Yi Bo, Grand Prince Hyoryeong (효령대군 이보) (11 December 1395 – 11 May 1486), second (fifth) son[lower-roman 17][lower-roman 18][lower-roman 19][lower-roman 20]
    9. Yi Do, Grand Prince Chungnyeong (충녕대군 이도) (10 April 1397 – 17 February 1450), third (sixth) son[lower-roman 21]
    10. Princess Jeongseon (정선공주) (1404 – 25 January 1424), fourth (fifth) daughter[lower-roman 22][lower-roman 23]
    11. Yi Jong, Grand Prince Seongnyeong (성녕대군 이종) (9 July 1405 – 4 February 1418), sixth (eleventh) son[lower-roman 24][lower-roman 25]
    12. Eleventh (sixteenth) son (1412–1412)
  2. Royal Noble Consort Myeong of the (old) Andong Gim clan (명빈 김씨) (? – 1479)[lower-roman 26][lower-roman 27][lower-roman 28]
  3. Royal Noble Consort Ui of the Andong Gwon clan (의빈 권씨) (1384 – ?)[lower-roman 29][lower-roman 30][lower-roman 31][lower-roman 32]
    1. Princess Jeonghye (정혜옹주) (? – 6 October 1424), fifth (sixth) daughter[lower-roman 33]
  4. Royal Noble Consort Hyo of the Cheongpung Gim clan (효빈 김씨) (? – 26 February 1454)[lower-roman 34][lower-roman 35]
    1. Yi Bi, Prince Gyeongnyeong (경녕군 이비) (13 December 1402 – 9 September 1458), fourth (ninth) son[lower-roman 36][lower-roman 37][lower-roman 38][lower-roman 39]
  5. Royal Noble Consort Shin of the Yeongwol Shin clan (신빈 신씨) (1377 – 2 February 1435)[lower-roman 40][lower-roman 41][lower-roman 42][lower-roman 43]
    1. Yi In, Prince Hamnyeong (함녕군 이인) (26 December 1402 – 30 September 1467), fifth (tenth) son[lower-roman 44]
    2. Yi Jeong, Prince Onnyeong (온녕군 이정) (1407 – 12 May 1454), seventh (twelfth) son[lower-roman 45][lower-roman 46]
    3. Princess Jeongshin (정신옹주) (? – 26 September 1452), sixth (seventh) daughter[lower-roman 47][lower-roman 48]
    4. Princess Jeongjeong (정정옹주) (1410 – 28 February 1456), seventh (eighth) daughter[lower-roman 49][lower-roman 50]
    5. Princess Sukjeong (숙정옹주), eighth (ninth) daughter[lower-roman 51][lower-roman 52]
    6. Princess Suknyeong (숙녕옹주), tenth (twelfth) daughter[lower-roman 53]
    7. Princess Soshin (소신옹주) (? – 16 June 1437), eleventh (thirteenth) daughter[lower-roman 54]
    8. Princess Sosuk (소숙옹주) (? – 12 November 1456), thirteenth (fifteenth) daughter[lower-roman 55][lower-roman 56]
    9. Princess Sukgyeong (숙경옹주) (1420–1494), sixteenth (eighteenth) daughter[lower-roman 57]
  6. Royal Noble Consort Seon of the Sunheung Ahn clan (선빈 안씨) (? – 17 June 1468)[lower-roman 58][lower-roman 59][lower-roman 60]
    1. Yi Ji, Prince Hyeryeong (혜령군 이지) (1407 – 25 June 1440), eighth (thirteenth) son[lower-roman 61]
    2. Yi Chi, Prince Iknyeong (익녕군 이치) (1422 – 10 July 1464), thirteenth (eighteenth) son[lower-roman 62][lower-roman 63]
    3. Princess Gyeongshin (경신옹주), twelfth (fourteenth) daughter[lower-roman 64][lower-roman 65]
    4. Princess Sukan (숙안옹주) (? – 12 May 1464), fourteenth (sixteenth) daughter[lower-roman 66]
  7. Royal Noble Consort So of the Jangyeon No clan (소빈 노씨) (? – 23 October 1479)[lower-roman 67][lower-roman 68][lower-roman 69]
    1. Princess Sukhye (숙혜옹주) (1413 – 19 July 1464), ninth (eleventh) daughter[lower-roman 70]
  8. Royal Noble Consort Jeong of the Go clan (정빈 고씨) (? – 13 July 1426)[lower-roman 71][lower-roman 72]
    1. Yi Nong, Prince Geunnyeong (근녕군 이농) (1411 – 15 November 1461), ninth (fourteenth) son[lower-roman 73][lower-roman 74]
  9. Royal Consort Sug-ui of the Choe clan (숙의 최씨)
    1. Yi Ta, Prince Huiryeong (희령군 이타) (1412 – 7 July 1465), tenth (fifteenth) son[lower-roman 75][lower-roman 76]
  10. Royal Consort Sug-ui of the Yi clan (숙의 이씨)
    1. Yi Gan, Prince Hunyeong (후령군 이간) (1419 – 6 October 1450), twelfth (seventeenth) son[lower-roman 77][lower-roman 78]
  11. Royal Princess Sukgong of the Cheongdo Gim clan (숙공궁주 김씨)[lower-roman 79][lower-roman 80][lower-roman 81]
  12. Royal Princess Uijeong of the Hanyang Jo clan (의정궁주 조씨) (? – 1454)[lower-roman 82][lower-roman 83]
  13. Royal Princess Hyesun of the Goseong Yi clan (혜순궁주 이씨) (? – 5 March 1438)[lower-roman 84][lower-roman 85]
  14. Royal Princess Shinsun of the Seongju Yi clan (신순궁주 이씨) (1390 – ?)[lower-roman 86][lower-roman 87][lower-roman 88][lower-roman 89]
  15. Princess Deoksuk of the Yi clan (덕숙옹주 이씨)[lower-roman 90]
  16. Princess Hyeseon of the Hong clan (혜선옹주 홍씨)[lower-roman 91][lower-roman 92]
  17. Princess Sunhye of the Andong Jang clan (순혜옹주 장씨) (? – 26 July 1423)[lower-roman 93][lower-roman 94]
  18. Princess Seogyeong (서경옹주)[lower-roman 95][lower-roman 96]
  19. Concubine Gim (후궁 김씨)
    1. Princess Sukgeun (숙근옹주) (? – 1 August 1450), fifteenth (seventeenth) daughter[lower-roman 97]
  20. Lady Yi (이씨)
    1. Princess Suksun (숙순옹주) (1421–c. 1481), seventeenth (nineteenth) daughter[lower-roman 98]

Issue by unknown mother(s):

  1. Fourth daughter (1400–1402)
  2. Seventh son (1400–1401)
  3. Eighth son (1402–1404)
  4. Tenth daughter (1412–1414)

Ancestry

See also

References
  1. "탐라 성주시대 413년 ~ 탐라 성주시대 464년" [Year 413 of the era of the Lord of Tamna ~ Year 464 of the era of the Lord of Tamna]. jejugo.co.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. "한국민족문화대백과사전 – 태종 (太宗)" [Encyclopedia of Korean Culture – Taejong]. encykorea.aks.ac.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  3. "세종대왕" [King Sejong the Great]. terms.naver.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  4. "조선왕조실록 – 사신 장근과 단목예가 받들고 온 명나라 황제의 고명" [Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty – The installation document from the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty is presented by envoys Jang Geung and Dan Mok-ye]. sillok.history.go.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  5. Choi, Yang-jin (4 July 2008). "한비자의 냉정한 정치로 승부수 띄운 '태종'" ['Taejong' who raised the odds with Han Feizi's cool-headed politics]. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  6. Grayson, James H. (22 August 2002). Korea – A Religious History (1st ed.). United Kingdom: Routledge. p. 108. ISBN 9780700716050.
  7. Bridgman, Roger; Smithsonian Institution (28 July 2020). DK Publishing (ed.). 1000 Inventions and Discoveries. Penguin. ISBN 978-0-7440-3096-9. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  8. Diamond, Jared. "Invention Is the Mother Of Necessity". archive.nytimes.com. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  9. "ENCYCLOpedia.com – Htai Tjong". encyclopedia.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  10. Haven, Kendall F. (2006). Bloomsbury Academic (ed.). 100 Greatest Science Inventions of All Time. Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 978-1-59158-264-9. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  11. "문화재 검색 – 창경궁 (昌慶宮)" [Cultural Heritage Search – Changgyeonggung Palace]. heritage.go.kr (in Korean). 18 January 1963. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  12. Taejo Sillok vol. 1, year 1, entry 2
  13. Taejong Sillok vol. 21, year 11, entry 1
  14. Taejo Sillok vol. 15, year 7, entry 1

Notes
  1. Unless otherwise noted, all dates in this article are given in the lunar calendar.
  2. Also known by his Mongolian name Ulus Bukha (吾魯思不花).
  3. In 1392, Taejo honored his agnatic ancestors to the fourth degree and their legal wives with the ranks of 'king' (왕) and 'consort' (비), respectively.[12]In 1411, Taejong upgraded the earlier honors by bestowing them the temple name 'progenitor' (조) with the style of 'the great (king)' (대왕), and the rank of 'queen' (왕후).[13]As a result, Yi Ja-chun and Lady Choe were honored by Taejo as 'King Hwan' (환왕) and 'Consort Ui' (의비), and by Taejong with the temple name 'Hwanjo the Great' (환조대왕) and posthumous name 'Queen Uihye' (의혜왕후).
  4. In 1393, she was posthumously granted the title 'Consort Jeol' (절비) by Taejo, while Jeongjong honored her with the posthumous name 'Queen Sinui' (신의왕후) in 1398.[14]In 1408, Taejong further honored her by upgrading the rank from 'queen' (왕후) to 'great queen' (왕태후), but the decision was reverted by Sukjong in 1683. Elevated during the Korean Empire to 'Sinui, Empress Go' (신의고황후).
  5. Third daughter of Left State Councillor Min Je, Internal Prince Yeoheung and Duke Mundo (좌정승 여흥부원군 문도공 민제) (1339–1408); and Lady Song of the Yeosan Song clan, Grand Princess Consort of Samhan State (삼한국대부인 여산 송씨) (1342–1424).
  6. In 1399, she married Yi Baek-gang (이백강), Internal Prince Cheongpyeong (청평부원군) (1381–1451); fourth son of Yi Geo-yi, Internal Prince Seowon and Duke Mundo (서원부원군 문도공 이거이) (1348–1412); they had issue (1 daughter).
  7. Her father-in-law was among those who killed her uncle, Yi Bang-seok, Grand Prince Uian (무안대군 이방석) (1382 – 26 August 1398), during the First Strife of Princes.
  8. Her eldest brother-in-law, Yi Ae, Internal Prince Sangdang (상당부원군 이애), married Princess Gyeongshin (경신공주) (? – 22 March 1426), second daughter of King Taejo by Queen Sinui.
  9. In 1403, she married Jo Dae-rim (조대림), Internal Prince Pyeongyang (평양부원군) (1387–1430); son of Chief State Councillor Jo Jun (영의정 조준) (1346–1405), a contributor to the founding of Joseon; they had issue (1 son and 4 daughters).
  10. Her son's only daughter, Lady Jo of the Pyeongyang Jo clan (평양 조씨), married Yi Dang, Prince Chunseong (춘성군 이당), second son of Yi Chim, Prince Milseong (밀성군 이침) (1430 – 1 January 1479) and grandson of King Sejong. Chunseong was also the adopted son of Yi Yu, Grand Prince Geumseong (금성대군 이유) (28 March 1426 – 21 October 1457), seventh son of King Sejong and adopted son of Yi Bang-seok, Grand Prince Uian (의안대군 이방석) (1382 – 26 August 1398).
  11. While the exact dates of their births and deaths are unknown, the three sons are speculated to have been born between 1388 and 1392, as they were older than Princess Gyeongan (born 1393), but younger than Princess Gyeongjeong (born 1387).
  12. In 1403, she married Gwon Gyu (권규), Prince Gilchang (길창군) (1393–1421); second son of Gwon Geun, Internal Prince Gilchang and Duke Munchung (길창부원군 문충공 권근) (1352–1409); they had issue (2 sons and 1 daughter).
  13. Her eldest brother-in-law was Gwon Je (권제) (1387–1445); his second son was Gwon Ram, one of the leaders of the 1453 coup, which had deposed King Danjong and place his uncle, Grand Prince Suyang, on the throne.
  14. Deposed crown prince.
  15. Married Lady Gim of the Gwangsan Gim clan (광산 김씨), Grand Princess Consort Suseong (수성부부인); they had issue (3 sons and 5 daughters).
  16. Along the years, he kept at least 10 concubines; by six of them, he had 7 sons and 12 daughters, including Yi Gu-ji, his eighth daughter by an unknown slave woman.
  17. Married Lady Jeong of the Haeju Jeong clan (해주 정씨), Grand Princess Consort Yeseong (예성부부인) (1394–1470); they had issue (6 sons and 1 daughter).
  18. Through his third son, Yi Hab, Prince Boseong (보성군 이합) (1416 – 1 September 1499), he became a grandfather-in-law of Im Sa-hong; 3rd great-grandfather of Yi Ryang; and 4th great-grandfather of Shim Ui-gyeom and Queen Insun, the wife of King Myeongjong.
  19. His brother-in-law was Left Chanseong Jeong Chung-gyeong (좌찬성 정충경); two of his children married into the royal family. His son, Jeong Jong, Prince Consort Yeongyang (영양위 정종) (1437–1461), was the husband of Princess Gyeonghye, second daughter of King Munjong by Queen Hyeondeok. His younger daughter, Grand Princess Consort Chunseong of the Haeju Jeong clan (춘성부부인 해주 정씨), was the second wife of Yi Yeom, Grand Prince Yeongeung (영응대군 이염) (15 April 1434 – 2 February 1467), 15th son of King Sejong by Queen Soheon.
  20. By a concubine, Lady Son of the Pyeonghae Son clan (평해 손씨), he had 1 son and 2 daughters.
  21. Later became the fourth monarch of Joseon, posthumously King Sejong (세종); commonly known as Sejong the Great (세종대왕).
  22. In 1416, she married Nam Hwi (남휘), Prince Uisan (의산군) (? – 1454); third son of Nam Gyeong-mun (남경문) (1370–1395/1403); they had issue (1 son and 1 daughter).
  23. Her daughter, Lady Nam of the Uiryeong Nam clan (의령 남씨), married Shin Ja-seung (신자승); through their third son, Shin Suk-gwon (신숙권), they became great-grandparents of Shin Saimdang.
  24. Married Lady Seong (성씨), Grand Princess Consort of Samhan State (삼한국대부인); they had no biological issue.
  25. He had two adopted sons: the first was Yi Yong, Grand Prince Anpyeong (안평대군 이용) (19 September 1418 – 18 October 1453), third son of his third brother, King Sejong; the second was Yi Ui, Prince Woncheon (원천군 이의) (1423–1476), sixth son of his second brother, Grand Prince Hyoryeong.
  26. Daughter of Gim Gu-deok, Duke Anjeong (안정공 김구덕) (? – 1428); and Lady Shin of the Yeongwol Shin clan (영월 신씨).
  27. Her younger brother was Gim Oh-mun (김오문); his daughter was Deposed Crown Princess Gim, the first wife of King Munjong.
  28. Entered the palace in October 1411 alongside Royal Noble Consort So and Royal Princess Sukgong. In November that same year, she was granted the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix myeong (명; 明; lit. 'bright'). Lady Gim is only one of Taejong's concubines to have held this rank during his reign.
  29. Died after 1457.
  30. Daughter of Gwon Hong (권홍) (1360–1446); and Lady Yi of the Gyeongju Yi clan (경주 이씨) (? – 1442).
  31. After she entered the palace in 1402, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Royal Princess Jeongui' (정의궁주). In February 1422, Sejong promoted her to the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix ui (의; 懿; lit. 'esteemed', 'admirable', 'virtuous').
  32. Taejong's first selected concubine.
  33. In 1419, she married Park Jong-u (박종우), Prince Unseong (운성군) (1405–1464); son of Chamchan Park Shin, Duke Hyesuk (참찬 혜숙공 박신) (1362–1444); they had no issue.
  34. In various historical records, she is noted as one of Queen Sindeok's maids, but in the Annals of the Joseon dynasty it is stated that she originally served Queen Wongyeong at her old household.
  35. In 1401, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Royal Princess Hyosun' (효순궁주). In 1872, Gojong posthumously elevated her to the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix hyo (효; 孝; lit. 'filial piety').
  36. Married firstly to Lady Gim of the Cheongpung Gim clan (청풍 김씨), Princess Consort Cheongwon (청원군부인); they had issue (4 sons).
  37. Married secondly to Lady Ma of the Mokcheon Ma clan (목천 마씨), Princess Consort (군부인); they had issue (1 son).
  38. Married thirdly to Lady Choe of the Jeonju Choe clan (전주 최씨), Princess Consort (군부인); they had issue (1 son).
  39. By an unknown concubine, he had 4 sons and 2 daughters.
  40. Daughter of Shin Yeong-gwi (신영귀).
  41. Originally one of Queen Wongyeong's palace maids.
  42. On 13 January 1414, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Princess Shinnyeong' (신녕옹주). Eight years later, in 1422, she was promoted by Sejong to 'Royal Princess Shinnyeong' (신녕궁주). In 1872, Gojong posthumously elevated her to the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix shin (신; 信; lit. 'believe', 'trust').
  43. Taejong's most favored concubine; despite not being her biological son, Sejong accorded her the respect due to his own mother (국모).
  44. Married Lady Choe of the Jeonju Choe clan (전주 최씨), Princess Consort Jeonju (전주군부인); they had issue (1 son and 2 daughters).
  45. Married Lady Park of the Suncheon Park clan (순천 박씨), Princess Consort Iksan (익산군부인); they had no biological issue.
  46. Yi Jong, Prince Usan (우산군 이종), second son of his ninth half-brother Yi Nong, Prince Geunnyeong (근녕군 이농), became Onnyeong's adopted son.
  47. Married Yun Gye-dong (윤계동), Prince Consort Yeongpyeong (영평위) (? – 1454); son of Yun Hyang, Prince Sodo (소도공 윤향) (1374–1418); they had issue (1 son and 1 daughter).
  48. Before his daughter's eventual marriage, Taejong had become enraged when Yi Sok (이속), a former official, refused a marriage alliance between his son and Princess Jeongshin. Yi Sok was consequently arrested, convicted of treason and demoted to a government slave, while his properties were confiscated; his son was prevented from marrying for the rest of his life. As a result of this incident, Taejong also established a formal selection process of spouses for the royal descendants.
  49. In 1421, she married Jo Seon (조선), Prince Hanwon (한원군) (1410–1437); eldest son of the Minister of Military Affairs Jo Mal-saeng (병조판서 조말생) (1370–1447); they had issue (1 son and 1 daughter).
  50. Her daughter, Lady Jo of the Yangju Jo clan (양주 조씨) (1426 – ?), married Heo Chang (허창); they became great-great-grandparents of Heo Nanseolheon and Heo Gyun; and 3rd great-grandparents of Consort So-hun of the Yangcheon Heo clan (소훈 허씨), a concubine of Deposed Crown Prince Yi Ji, and Princess Consort Yangcheon of the Yangcheon Heo clan (양천군부인 양천 허씨) (1589 – ?), the wife of Yi Gwang, Prince Uichang (의창군 이광) (January 1589 – 15 October 1645), eighth son of King Seonjo by Royal Noble Consort In of the Suwon Gim clan (인빈 김씨) (29 February 1555 – 30 November 1613).
  51. Died after 1489.
  52. In 1422, she married Jeong Hyo-jeon (정효전), Prince Ilseong (일성군) (? – 1454); son of Jeong Jin (정진); they had issue (2 sons and 4 daughters).
  53. In 1425, she married Yun U (윤우), Prince Paseong (파성군) (? – 1433); son of Yun Su-mi (윤수미); they had issue (1 son and 1 daughter).
  54. In 1428, she married Byeon Hyo-sun (변효순), Prince Consort Yucheon (유천위) (? – 1457); son of Byeon Sang-ju (변상주); they had issue (1 son and 1 daughter).
  55. In 1430, she married Yun Yeon-myeong (윤연명), Prince Haepyeong (해평군) (? – 1458); son of Yun Dal-seong (윤달성); they had issue (4 sons and 2 daughters).
  56. Through her fourth son, Yun Ho (윤호), she became a grandmother of Lady Yun of the Haepyeong Yun clan (해평 윤씨), the wife of Yi Goeng, Prince Yangpyeong of the Fourth Junior Rank (양평부수 이굉), grandson of Yi Geo, Prince Damyang (담양군 이거) (8 January 1439 – 10 March 1450) and great-grandson of King Sejong.
  57. In 1432, she married Yun Am (윤암), Prince Consort Papyeong (파평위) (? – 1461); son of Yun Tae-san (윤태산); they had issue (6 sons and 1 daughter).
  58. Daughter of Ahn Ui (안의).
  59. Originally entered the palace as lady-in-waiting.
  60. In 1421, Sejong bestowed upon her the title 'Princess Sukseon' (숙선옹주). In 1872, Gojong posthumously elevated her to the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix seon (선; 善; lit. 'good', 'nice').
  61. Married Lady Yun of the Musong Yun clan (무송 윤씨), Princess Consort Nakan (낙안군부인); they had issue (1 son and 3 daughters).
  62. Married firstly to Lady Park of the Unbong Park clan (운봉 박씨), Princess Consort (군부인); they had issue (1 daughter).
  63. Married secondly to Lady Jo of the Pyeongyang Jo clan (평양 조씨), Princess Consort (군부인); they had issue (2 sons and 3 daughters).
  64. Died after 1480.
  65. In 1430, she married Yi Wan (이완) Prince Jeonui (전의군) (? – 1455); son of Yi Gong-jeon (이공전); they had issue (6 sons and 1 daughter).
  66. In 1432, she married Hwang Yu (황유), Prince Hoecheon (회천군) (1421–1450); son of Hwang Ja-hu (황자후) (1363–1440); they had issue (5 sons).
  67. Daughter of No Gu-san (노구산) (? – 1419); and Lady Choe of the Chungju Choe clan (충주 최씨). Her paternal grandfather was No Yeong-su, Internal Prince Wiseong (위성부원군 노영수), while her maternal grandfather was Right State Councillor Choe Ryeom (우의정 최렴).
  68. Her paternal aunt was Consort Ui (의비), the wife of King U.
  69. Entered the palace in October 1411 alongside Royal Noble Consort Myeong and Royal Princess Sukgong. In November that same year, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Royal Princess Sohye' (소혜궁주). In 1872, Gojong posthumously elevated her to the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix so (소; 昭; lit. 'bright', 'luminous', 'clear', 'illustrious').
  70. In 1425, she married Yi Jeong-nyeong (이정녕), Prince Consort Seongwon (성원위) (1411–1455); son of Yi Sa-hu (이사후); they had issue (3 sons and 1 daughter).
  71. Originally entered the palace as lady-in-waiting.
  72. Also known as 'Palace Lady Go' (궁인 고씨); consort of the first senior rank of bin (빈; 嬪) with the prefix jeong (정; 貞; lit. 'chaste', 'pure', 'loyal').
  73. Married Lady Heo of the Hayang Heo clan (하양 허씨), Princess Consort Taean (태안군부인); they had issue (3 sons and 6 daughters).
  74. His second son Yi Jong, Prince Usan (우산군 이종), was adopted by his seventh half-brother Yi Jeong, Prince Onnyeong (온녕군 이정).
  75. Married firstly to Lady Shin of the Sunchang Shin clan (순창 신씨), Princess Consort Sunchang (순창군부인); they had no issue.
  76. Married secondly to Lady Shin of the Pyeongsan Shin clan (평산 신씨), Princess Consort Pyeongsan (평산군부인); they had issue (3 sons).
  77. Married firstly to Lady Shin of the Pyeongsan Shin clan (평산 신씨), Princess Consort Muan (무안군부인); they had issue (1 daughter).
  78. Married secondly to Lady Jo of the Hanyang Jo clan (한양 조씨), Princess Consort Dongyang (동양군부인); they had issue (2 sons and 1 daughter).
  79. Only daughter of Gim Jeom (김점) (1369–1457); and Lady Gwon (권씨).
  80. Entered the palace in October 1411 alongside Royal Noble Consort Myeong and Royal Noble Consort So. In November that same year, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Royal Princess Sukgong' (숙공궁주).
  81. In 1421, it was uncovered that her father had received numerous bribes while he was the governor of Pyeongan Province. As a result, Lady Gim was exiled and became a nun.
  82. Daughter of Jo Noe (조뇌).
  83. In February 1422, after the bribery scandal of Royal Princess Sukgong's father, Queen Soheon held a concubine selection for her father-in-law and chose the daughters of Jo Noe (조뇌), Jang Su (장수) and Shin Gi (신기). Taejong refused to accept new concubines; Lady Jo was suggested again, but he refused for the second time and passed away in May that same year. Despite never serving Taejong before his death, Lady Jo was allowed to enter the palace as his concubine at the request of her father. Sejong bestowed upon her the title 'Royal Princess Uijeong' (의정궁주).
  84. Daughter of Yi Un-ro (이운로); and Lady Yi of the Gyeongju Yi clan (경주 이씨).
  85. In November 1422, Sejong bestowed upon her the title 'Royal Princess Hyesun' (혜순궁주).
  86. Daughter of Yi Jik (이직) (1362–1431); and Lady Heo (허씨).
  87. Her younger sister married Min Mu-hyul (민무휼) (? – 1416), the younger brother of Queen Wongyeong.
  88. Lady Yi was previously married and became a widow at a young age.
  89. On January 6 1422, she became Taejong's concubine and was granted the title 'Royal Princess Shinsun' (신순궁주).
  90. In 1407, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Princess Deoksuk' (덕숙옹주).
  91. Known by the name Gahuia (가희아; 可喜兒; lit. 'child of possible happiness'), she was originally a courtesan from Bocheon (present-day Yecheon County, North Gyeongsang Province).
  92. In 1414, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Princess Hyeseon' (혜선옹주).
  93. Daughter of Jang Sa-gil, Prince Hwasan (화산군 장사길) (? – 1418), by his concubine, courtesan Bokdeok (복덕).
  94. In 1412, Taejong bestowed upon her the title 'Princess Sunhye' (순혜옹주).
  95. In the Annals of the Joseon dynasty, she is recorded as Geum Yeong (금영; 金英). It is not clear whether the character 金 (which can mean both 'gold' and 'Gim') refers her surname or part of her first name.
  96. She started serving Taejong before his ascension to the throne.
  97. In 1432, she married Gwon Gong (권공), Prince Hwacheon (화천군); third son of Gwon Bok (권복) (? – 1435); they had issue (1 son).
  98. In 1435, she married Yun Pyeong (윤평), Prince Consort Pawon (파원위) (1420–1467); son of Yun Chang (윤창); they had issue (2 sons and 1 daughter).
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