With tvN’s historical drama Wongyeong gaining popularity, more viewers are discovering that Queen Wongyeong was the mother of King Sejong the Great. Her role in shaping one of Korea’s most revered rulers is now receiving renewed attention. Sejong’s birth name, Yi Do (裪), meaning “sleeve of a garment,” reflects the unique naming conventions of Joseon royalty.
The Name of a King: Yi Do
King Sejong’s given name was Yi Do. In the royal family, names were intentionally composed of rare Chinese characters to prevent common usage. Unlike today, where “Sejong” is a familiar name to all Koreans, “Sejong” was actually his posthumous temple name, used for ancestral rites. During his lifetime, he was never called “Sejong” and likely never imagined he would be remembered with such reverence by future generations.
As the legitimate son of Queen Wongyeong, Yi Do was given the title of Daegun (Grand Prince). However, due to the custom of avoiding direct use of royal names, he was known as Grand Prince Chungnyeong, rather than Grand Prince Yi Do. He was later appointed Crown Prince and eventually ascended the throne to become one of the most beloved rulers in Korean history.
A Passion for Learning
Grand Prince Chungnyeong, the third son of Queen Wongyeong, was known for his insatiable love of reading. His devotion to books was so intense that even when he was ill, he continued studying. His father, King Taejong, was so concerned about his health that he once ordered him to stop reading. This anecdote highlights Sejong’s intellectual curiosity, which would later shape his reign.
His thirst for knowledge extended beyond personal interests. As king, he gathered scholars to form the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon), a research institute dedicated to policy and cultural development. His commitment to education and scholarly discussions laid the groundwork for many of Joseon’s advancements.
Korea’s Most Revered King
When Koreans think of the ideal ruler, King Sejong is the first name that comes to mind. Beyond his remarkable achievements, his reign is regarded as the golden age of Joseon, a period of unprecedented cultural, scientific, and military advancements.
Sejong’s leadership was marked by wisdom, benevolence, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people. Unlike his father, King Taejong, who ruled with an iron fist, Sejong preferred diplomacy and careful deliberation. He surrounded himself with capable ministers and scholars, fostering an environment of intellectual discourse and evidence-based governance. He listened to the concerns of his people and implemented policies to improve their lives, earning their trust and admiration.
Sejong’s reign also set a precedent for future rulers. His ability to balance power, knowledge, and compassion made him a model monarch. He was not only a ruler but also a visionary who understood the long-term importance of education, technology, and social welfare. Under his leadership, the country flourished in ways never seen before, solidifying his place in history as the greatest king of Korea.
Even centuries after his time, Koreans continue to hold King Sejong in the highest regard. His face graces the 10,000-won bill, and numerous institutions, roads, and cultural landmarks bear his name. He remains an enduring symbol of wisdom and national pride. Whenever Koreans face hardships, they often look back to Sejong’s legacy as a source of inspiration, reminding themselves that great leadership can bring prosperity even in the most challenging times.
The Creation of Hangul: A Language for the People
Sejong’s most famous legacy is the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The preface of Hunminjeongeum, the document introducing Hangul, reflects his deep concern for his people:
“The spoken language of our country is different from that of China and does not match the Chinese characters used in writing. Therefore, many ignorant people are unable to express their thoughts. I feel sorry for them and have created twenty-eight new letters so that everyone may learn them easily and use them in daily life.”
Even today, Korean students learn this passage in school. It exemplifies Sejong’s dedication to the welfare of his people, reinforcing his image as a wise and benevolent ruler. By giving his people a writing system they could easily learn, he empowered even the lowest classes with literacy, dramatically improving communication and governance.
Jang Yeong-sil: The Inventor King Sejong Believed In
Under Sejong’s encouragement, Jang Yeong-sil, a talented but low-born inventor, was able to showcase his genius. His groundbreaking inventions—such as Jagyeokru (Korea’s first automated water clock) and Cheugugi (a rain gauge for measuring precipitation)—are impressive even by today’s standards. Sejong’s support of science and innovation laid the foundation for technological advancements in Joseon.
Sejong also supported advancements in astronomy and calendrical science. His reign saw the development of astronomical charts and instruments that allowed more accurate predictions of celestial events, which improved agriculture and governance.
Agricultural Reforms: A Prosperous Joseon
In an era where most people relied on farming, Sejong sought to improve agricultural productivity. He commissioned the publication of Nongsajikseol, an agricultural manual, to disseminate effective farming techniques. With increased grain reserves and food security, fewer people suffered from hunger, leading to a more stable society.
Sejong also introduced a new taxation system based on land productivity rather than rigid quotas, ensuring a fairer distribution of tax burdens. This reform alleviated the struggles of farmers and contributed to economic stability.
Strengthening National Defense
Militarily, Sejong expanded Joseon’s territory by establishing the Four Northern Garrisons and the Six Fortresses. He also led an expedition against Tsushima Island (now part of Japan) and developed the Singijeon, an early form of a multi-launch rocket system. Unlike other periods marked by invasions, Sejong’s reign was a time of military strength and national security.
Sejong also invested in naval defenses, strengthening Korea’s ability to protect its coastline from pirates. His policies ensured that Joseon remained secure both on land and at sea, further solidifying his reign as a period of peace and stability.
The Golden Era of Joseon
From military power to economic prosperity, from agricultural advancements to scientific achievements, and most importantly, the creation of Hangul—every aspect of Joseon flourished under Sejong’s rule. There is no debate among Koreans: Sejong’s reign was the most peaceful and prosperous in their history. He remains a source of pride and inspiration, especially in challenging times.
Queen Wongyeong’s Influence on Sejong
Although Wongyeong does not directly portray the rise of King Sejong (Grand Prince Chungnyeong), it offers a glimpse into the struggles of his mother, Queen Wongyeong. It is easy to imagine how witnessing his mother’s hardships and sacrifices shaped his understanding of leadership and governance. A devoted scholar, Chungnyeong likely internalized these lessons, which influenced his later policies as king.
Viewing Wongyeong with an awareness of Sejong’s legacy adds another layer of depth to the drama. By exploring the life of his mother, the series enriches our appreciation of the historical forces that shaped one of Korea’s greatest rulers. The drama serves as a reminder that behind every great ruler, there is often an even greater story of perseverance, sacrifice, and wisdom passed down through generations.
