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.
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.
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.
Sejong's queen was Queen Soheon. He was succeeded by one of his sons, who took the throne as King Munjong. Sejong had 13 other sons, and four daughters.
| Preceded by: King Taejong |
King of Joseon 1418-1450 |
Succeeded by: King Munjong |
References
- Gallery labels, "Story of King Sejong," King Sejong Square, Seoul.