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Sejong was born in Hanyang ([[Seoul]]), on 1397/4/10. He was the third son of a royal prince and princess who later took the throne as [[King Taejong]] and Queen Wongyeong. He ascended to the throne himself at age 22, in 1418.

Sejong was born in Hanyang ([[Seoul]]), on 1397/4/10. He was the third son of a royal prince and princess who later took the throne as [[King Taejong]] and Queen Wongyeong. He ascended to the throne himself at age 22, in 1418.

His reign saw the standardization and codification of much court ritual, including court music. He had Confucian scholars at court consult ancient Chinese texts and compile an authoritative Joseon ritual code, and also directed efforts to combine ''aak'' (ceremonial music; J: ''[[gagaku]]''), ''dangak'' (Chinese music), and ''hyangak'' (native Korean music) to establish new standard forms for ritual/court music.

His reign saw the standardization and codification of much court ritual, including court music. He had Confucian scholars at court consult ancient Chinese texts and compile an authoritative Joseon ritual code, and also directed efforts to combine ''[[aak]]'' (ceremonial music; J: ''[[gagaku]]''), ''dangak'' (Chinese music), and ''hyangak'' (native Korean music) to establish new standard forms for ritual/court music.

''Hangul'' is traditionally considered to have been introduced in [[1443]]. Sejong oversaw the publication of ''[[Hunminjeongeum]]'', a book explaining the new writing system, in [[1446]]. Around the same time, he also oversaw the production of the first novel in ''hangull'', ''[[Yongbi Eocheonga]]'' (Songs of Flying Dragons); as well as a book on celestial calculations; and oversaw the improvement of the kingdom's weaponry, including especially various forms of cannon, firearms, and artillery.

''Hangul'' is traditionally considered to have been introduced in [[1443]]. Sejong oversaw the publication of ''[[Hunminjeongeum]]'', a book explaining the new writing system, in [[1446]]. Around the same time, he also oversaw the production of the first novel in ''hangull'', ''[[Yongbi Eocheonga]]'' (Songs of Flying Dragons); as well as a book on celestial calculations; and oversaw the improvement of the kingdom's weaponry, including especially various forms of cannon, firearms, and artillery.