Gwanghaegun of Joseon
Encyclopedia
Gwanghaegun or Prince Gwanghae (1574–1641; reigned 1608–1623) was the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty
. His personal name was Yi Hon. Since he was deposed in a coup, later official historians did not give him a temple name
like Taejo
or Sejong
. He was married to Lady Ryu.
, born to Lady Gong, a concubine. When Japan
invaded Korea to attack the Ming Empire
, he was installed as Crown Prince. While the king fled north to the border with Ming, he set the branch court and fought defensive battles. During and after the Seven Year War (1592–1598), he acted as de facto
ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, commanding battles and taking care of reconstruction of the nation after the devastating war in the place of old and weak King Seonjo.
Although it brought prestige to him, his position was still unstable. He had the elder but incompetent brother Imhaegun (Prince Imhae, 임해군, 臨海君) and a younger but legitimate brother Yeongchangdaegun (Grand Prince Yeongchang, 영창대군, 永昌大君), who was supported by the Lesser Northerners faction. Fortunately for him, King Seonjo's abrupt death made it impossible for his most favorite son Yeongchangdaegun to succeed the throne.
After the incident, Prince Gwanghae tried to bring officials from various political and regional background to his court, but his plan was interrupted by Greater Northerners including Yi Icheom and Jeong In-hong. Then Greater Northerners began to take out members of other political factions out of the government, especially Lesser Northerners. At last in 1613 Greater Northerners put their hand on Grand Prince Yeongchang; his grandfather Kim Je-nam was found guilty of treason and executed, while Yeongchang was sent into exile, where he was murdered. At the same time Greater Northerners suppressed the Lesser Northerners; In 1618 Yeongchang's mother, Queen Inmok, was stripped off her title and imprisoned. However, Gwanghae had no power to stop this even though he was the official head of the government.
along with several other palaces. He was also responsible for the reintroduction of the hopae
identification system after a long period of disuse.
In foreign affairs he sought a balance between the Ming Empire and the Manchu
s. Since he realized Joseon was unable to compete with the Manchu military power, he tried to keep friendly relationship with the Manchus, while the kingdom was still under the suzerainty of Ming, which angered Ming and dogmatic Confucian
Koreans. However the critically worsened Manchu-Ming relationship forced him to send ten thousand soldiers to aid Ming in 1619. However, the Battle of Sarhū
ended in Manchu's overwhelming victory. The Korean General Gang Hong-rip
lost two-thirds of his troops and surrendered to Nurhaci. Gwanghaegun negotiated independently for peace with the Manchus and managed to avoid another war. He also restored diplomatic relationship with Japan
in 1609 when he reopened trade with Japan through Treaty of Giyu, and he sent his ambassadors to Japan in 1617.
During his reign, Gwanghaegun encouraged publishing in order to accelerate reconstruction and to restore the kingdom's former prosperity. Many books came out during his reign, including famous medical book Donguibogam. Many historical records were rewritten in this period.
In 1616, tobacco was first introduced to Korea and soon popularized by many aristocratic noblemen.
and then Jeju Island, where he died in 1641. He does not have a royal mausoleum like the other Joseon rulers. His and Lady Ryu's remains were buried in a comparatively humble site in Namyangju
in Gyeonggi Province. The Westerners faction installed Neungyanggun as the sixteenth king Injo and took pro-Ming and anti-Manchu policies, which brought two Manchu invasions.
, the tyrant who greatly contributed to the decline of the nation), many people consider him as the victim of feuds between political factions. He did a better job taking care of his country than his predecessor, or his successor, King Injo, each of them who caused the Seven Year War and Manchu Invasion. In modern South Korea
, Gwanghaegun is considered a great and wise king, not a despot.
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
. His personal name was Yi Hon. Since he was deposed in a coup, later official historians did not give him a temple name
Temple name
Temple names are commonly used when naming most Chinese, Korean , and Vietnamese royalty. They should not be confused with era names. Compared to posthumous names, the use of temple names is more exclusive...
like Taejo
Taejo of Joseon
Taejo of Joseon , born Yi Seong-gye, whose changed name is Yi Dan, was the founder and the first king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, and the main figure in overthrowing the Goryeo Dynasty...
or Sejong
Sejong the Great of Joseon
Sejong the Great was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. During his regency, he reinforced Korean Confucian policies and executed major legal amendments . He also used the creation of Hangul and the advancement of technology to expand his territory...
. He was married to Lady Ryu.
Birth and Background
He was the second son of King SeonjoSeonjo of Joseon
King Seonjo ruled in Korea between 1567 and 1608. He was the fourteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. He is known for encouraging Confucianism and renovating state affairs at the beginning of his reign, although political chaos and his incompetent leadership during the Japanese invasions of Korea...
, born to Lady Gong, a concubine. When Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
invaded Korea to attack the Ming Empire
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
, he was installed as Crown Prince. While the king fled north to the border with Ming, he set the branch court and fought defensive battles. During and after the Seven Year War (1592–1598), he acted as de facto
De facto
De facto is a Latin expression that means "concerning fact." In law, it often means "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law" or "in practice or actuality, but not officially established." It is commonly used in contrast to de jure when referring to matters of law, governance, or...
ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, commanding battles and taking care of reconstruction of the nation after the devastating war in the place of old and weak King Seonjo.
Although it brought prestige to him, his position was still unstable. He had the elder but incompetent brother Imhaegun (Prince Imhae, 임해군, 臨海君) and a younger but legitimate brother Yeongchangdaegun (Grand Prince Yeongchang, 영창대군, 永昌大君), who was supported by the Lesser Northerners faction. Fortunately for him, King Seonjo's abrupt death made it impossible for his most favorite son Yeongchangdaegun to succeed the throne.
Violence of Greater Northerner faction
When King Seonjo died, he named Prince Gwanghae as his official successor to the throne, and ordered his advisers to make a royal document. However, Yu Yeong-gyeong of Lesser Northerners faction hid the document and plotted to install Grand Prince Yeongchang (영창대군) as king, only to be found out by the head of Great Northerners faction (북인; 大北), Jeong In-hong. Yu was executed immediately and Grand Prince Yeongchang was arrested and died the next year.After the incident, Prince Gwanghae tried to bring officials from various political and regional background to his court, but his plan was interrupted by Greater Northerners including Yi Icheom and Jeong In-hong. Then Greater Northerners began to take out members of other political factions out of the government, especially Lesser Northerners. At last in 1613 Greater Northerners put their hand on Grand Prince Yeongchang; his grandfather Kim Je-nam was found guilty of treason and executed, while Yeongchang was sent into exile, where he was murdered. At the same time Greater Northerners suppressed the Lesser Northerners; In 1618 Yeongchang's mother, Queen Inmok, was stripped off her title and imprisoned. However, Gwanghae had no power to stop this even though he was the official head of the government.
Achievements
Despite the bad reputation in later times, he was a talented and realistic politician. He endeavored to restore the country and sponsored restoration of documents. As a part of reconstruction, he revised land ordinance and redistributed the land to people; he also ordered rebuilding of Changdeok PalaceChangdeokgung
Changdeokgung, also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace, is set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Because of its location east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeokgung, with Changgyeonggung,...
along with several other palaces. He was also responsible for the reintroduction of the hopae
Hopae
Hopae were identification tags carried by Koreans during the Joseon Dynasty, recording the bearer's name, place of birth, status, and residence.-History:...
identification system after a long period of disuse.
In foreign affairs he sought a balance between the Ming Empire and the Manchu
Manchu
The Manchu people or Man are an ethnic minority of China who originated in Manchuria . During their rise in the 17th century, with the help of the Ming dynasty rebels , they came to power in China and founded the Qing Dynasty, which ruled China until the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, which...
s. Since he realized Joseon was unable to compete with the Manchu military power, he tried to keep friendly relationship with the Manchus, while the kingdom was still under the suzerainty of Ming, which angered Ming and dogmatic Confucian
Confucianism
Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius . Confucianism originated as an "ethical-sociopolitical teaching" during the Spring and Autumn Period, but later developed metaphysical and cosmological elements in the Han...
Koreans. However the critically worsened Manchu-Ming relationship forced him to send ten thousand soldiers to aid Ming in 1619. However, the Battle of Sarhū
Battle of Sarhu
The Battle of Sarhū refers to the series of conflicts between the Manchus and Ming Dynasty of China in the winter of year 1619, which ended in the overwhelming victory for the former....
ended in Manchu's overwhelming victory. The Korean General Gang Hong-rip
Gang Hong-rip
Gang Hong-rip was a Korean general during the Joseon Dynasty.Under repeated requests from Ming China, Gwanghaegun commanded Gang Hong-rip to help Ming forces with ten thousand soldiers against the Manchus in 1619. However, Ming armies were crushed in the Battle of Sarhū. The Korean army under...
lost two-thirds of his troops and surrendered to Nurhaci. Gwanghaegun negotiated independently for peace with the Manchus and managed to avoid another war. He also restored diplomatic relationship with Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in 1609 when he reopened trade with Japan through Treaty of Giyu, and he sent his ambassadors to Japan in 1617.
During his reign, Gwanghaegun encouraged publishing in order to accelerate reconstruction and to restore the kingdom's former prosperity. Many books came out during his reign, including famous medical book Donguibogam. Many historical records were rewritten in this period.
In 1616, tobacco was first introduced to Korea and soon popularized by many aristocratic noblemen.
Dethronement and Later Life
In 1623 Gwanghaegun was deposed by the Westerners faction with a coup. He was confined first on Ganghwa IslandGanghwa Island
Ganghwa Island is an island in the estuary of the Han River, on the west coast of South Korea. Ganghwa Island is separated from Gimpo, on the mainland, by a narrow channel, which is spanned by two bridges. The main channel of the Han River separates the island from Gaeseong in North Korea.About...
and then Jeju Island, where he died in 1641. He does not have a royal mausoleum like the other Joseon rulers. His and Lady Ryu's remains were buried in a comparatively humble site in Namyangju
Namyangju
Namyangju is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. To the east is Gapyeong County, to the west is Guri City, and to the north is Pocheon City.-History of Namyangju:...
in Gyeonggi Province. The Westerners faction installed Neungyanggun as the sixteenth king Injo and took pro-Ming and anti-Manchu policies, which brought two Manchu invasions.
Family
- Father: King SeonjoSeonjo of JoseonKing Seonjo ruled in Korea between 1567 and 1608. He was the fourteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. He is known for encouraging Confucianism and renovating state affairs at the beginning of his reign, although political chaos and his incompetent leadership during the Japanese invasions of Korea...
(선조) - Mother: Royal Noble Consort Gong of the Kim clan (공빈 김씨)
- Consorts:
- Princess Consort Munseong of the Yu clan (문성군부인 유씨, 1576-1623)
- Hong So-ui (소의 홍씨)
- Yoon So-ui (소의 윤씨)
- Heo Suk-ui (숙의 허씨)
- Won Suk-ui (숙의 원씨)
- Kwon Suk-ui (숙의 권씨)
- Im So-yong (소용 임씨)
- Jeong So-yong (소용 정씨)
- Sin Suk-won (소원 신씨)
- Sim Suk-won (소원 심씨)
- Palace Lady Lady Jo (궁인 조씨)
- Lady Lee (상궁 이씨)
- Suk-won Kim Gae-si (숙원 김씨)
- Lady Choi (상궁 최씨)
- Issue:
- Deposed Prince Successor (폐세자), Only Son of Princess Consort Munseong of the Yu clan.
- A Daughter (1619-1664) of Yoon So-ui.
His eulogistic posthumous name
- King Checheon Heungun Jundeok Honggong Sinseong Yeongsuk Heummun Inmu Seoryun Ipgi Myungseong Gwangryeol Yungbong Hyeonbo mujeong Jungheui Yecheol Jangeui Jangheon Sunjeong Geoneui Sujeong Changdo Sungeop the Great of Korea
- 체천흥운준덕홍공신성영숙흠문인무서륜입기명성광렬융봉현보무정중희예철장의장헌순정건의수정창도숭업대왕
- 體天興運俊德弘功神聖英肅欽文仁武敍倫立紀明誠光烈隆奉顯保懋定重熙睿哲壯毅章憲順靖建義守正彰道崇業大王
Legacy
Although Gwanghaegun is one of only two deposed kings who were not restored and given the temple name (the other one being YeonsangunYeonsangun of Joseon
Yeonsan-gun , born Yi Yung, was the 10th king of Korea's Joseon Dynasty. He was the eldest son of Seongjong by his second wife, Lady Yoon. He is often considered the worst tyrant in Joseon Dynasty, notorious for launching two bloody purges of the seonbi elite...
, the tyrant who greatly contributed to the decline of the nation), many people consider him as the victim of feuds between political factions. He did a better job taking care of his country than his predecessor, or his successor, King Injo, each of them who caused the Seven Year War and Manchu Invasion. In modern South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, Gwanghaegun is considered a great and wise king, not a despot.
See also
- List of Koreans
- List of Korean monarchs
- List of Korea-related topics