Sejong the Great of Joseon

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Template:Koreanruler twonames image Sejong the Great (May 6 1397 – May 18 1450, r. 1418 - 1450) was the fourth ruler of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. He was also a skilled linguist who created the native Korean alphabet Hangul, despite strong opposition from the literati educated in hanja.

Sejong is one of only two Korean rulers honored with the appellation "the Great," the other being Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo.

Sejong was the third son of King Taejong. When he was ten, he became Grand Prince Chungnyeong (Template:Lang; Template:Lang) and married a daughter of Sim On (Template:Lang; Template:Lang) of Cheongsong (Template:Lang; Template:Lang), commonly known as Sim-ssi (Template:Lang; Template:Lang), who later was given the title Princess-Consort Soheon (Template:Lang; Template:Lang).

He was an effective military planner. During his era, his army invaded Tsushima to reduce and eliminate heavy Japanese pirate activities along the southern coast line. On the northern border, he established four forts and six posts to safeguard his people from the hostile nomads living in Manchuria. He also created various military regulations and units to strengthen the safety of his kingdom.

Sejong's writings are also highly regarded. He composed the famous Yongbi Eocheon Ga (“Songs of Flying Dragons”, 1445), Seokbo Sangjeol (“Episodes from the Life of Buddha”, July 1447), Worin Cheon-gang Jigok (“Songs of the Moon Shining on a Thousand Rivers”, July 1447), and the reference Dongguk Jeong-un (“Dictionary of Proper Sino-Korean Pronunciation”, September 1447).

Sejong established the Hall of Worthies (Template:Lang; Template:Lang; Jiphyeonjeon) in 1420 in the royal palace, Sejong gathered intellectuals from around Korea. The scholars of the Hall of Worthies documented history, drafted documents and compiled books on various topics.

Following the principles of Neo-Confucianism, Sejong was also a humanitarian who proclaimed that there must be three trials before a final judgment is reached, and he prohibited brutality in the punishment of criminals, such as flogging.

Sejong is also credited with the invention of a rain gauge, self-striking water clocks, and a sundial.

Sejong died at the age of 53 and was buried at the Yeong Mausoleum (Template:Lang; Template:Lang). His successor was his first son, Munjong.

The street Sejongno and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts – both located in central Seoul – are named after King Sejong, and he is depicted on the South Korean 10,000-Won note.

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