Sejong the Great of Joseon
Sejong of Joseon (May 15, 1397 - April 8, 1450), personal name Yi Do (Korean: 이도; Hanja: 李祹), popularly known as Sejong the Great (Korean: 세종대왕; Hanja: 世宗大王), was the fourth ruler of Korea's Joseon dynasty. He was born as the third son of King Taejong and Queen Wongyeong, and was initially titled Grand Prince Chungnyeong (Korean: 충녕대군; Hanja: 忠寧大君). After his eldest brother, Crown Prince Yi Je, was deposed in 1418, he was designated as heir. Today, King Sejong is regarded as one of Korea's greatest leaders and the most important historical figures in Korea.
Despite ascending to the throne following his father's voluntary abdication in 1418, Sejong was merely a figurehead, with Taejong maintaining real power and governing the country until his death in 1422. Sejong reigned as the sole monarch for the next 28 years, though he became increasingly ill after 1439, and beginning in 1442, his eldest son, Crown Prince Yi Hyang (the future King Munjong), acted as regent.
Sejong strengthened Korean Confucian and Neo-Confucian policies and enacted significant legal changes (공법, 貢法). He personally created and promulgated the Korean alphabet (now known as hangul), encouraged scientific and technological advancements, and introduced economic stimulus measures. He sent military campaigns to the north and established the Samin Jeongchaek ("Peasants Relocation Policy"; 사민정책, 徙民政策) to attract new settlers. During the Ōei Invasion, he assisted in the subjugation of Japanese pirates to the south.
Birthdate: May 15, 1397
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Died: April 8, 1450
