King Sejong
King Sejong was an early king of Joseon Dynasty Korea, ruling from 1418 until his death in 1450. He is credited with inventing the hangul writing system, and with numerous other innovations, and is revered in South Korea as a national hero.
His reign saw the standardization and codification of much court ritual; he had Confucian scholars at court consult ancient Chinese texts and compile an authoritative Joseon ritual code.
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.
| Preceded by: King Taejong |
King of Joseon 1418-1450 |
Succeeded by: King Munjong |
References
- Gallery labels, "Story of King Sejong," King Sejong Square, Seoul.