Sejong the Great

Sejong the Great was the fourth ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea and the inventor of Hangul, the native alphabet of the Korean language. Today, he is regarded as one of the greatest leaders in Korean history. He was born as Yi Do, the third son of King Taejong and Queen Wongyeong. He became the crown prince in 1418 after his elder brothers renounced their claim to the throne. He ascended to the throne later that year, but his father continued to wield the real power until his death in 1422. Sejong was a benevolent and wise ruler who promoted Confucianism, education, science, technology, literature, and culture. He reformed the tax system, improved the military, expanded the territory, and supported agriculture. He also encouraged the development of various inventions, such as the rain gauge, the sundial, the water clock, the celestial globe, and the metal movable type printing press. His most remarkable achievement was the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, which he announced in 1446. He wanted to make literacy and education accessible to all Koreans, regardless of their social class or background. He also commissioned many scholars to write books and compile histories in Hangul, such as the Hunminjeongeum, the Yongbieocheonga, the Worinseokbo, and the Seokbo Sangjeol. Sejong was also a patron of the arts, especially music and poetry. He composed several songs and poems himself, such as the Cheonanbyeolgok, the Sogyeokdong, and the Yeongeunmun. He also supported the development of pansori, a traditional Korean musical storytelling genre. Sejong died in 1450 at the age of 52. He was buried with his wife, Queen Soheon, at the Yeongneung Mausoleum in Yeoju. He was given the posthumous name of King Jangheon Yeongmun Yemu Inseong Myeonghyo the Great and the temple name of Sejong. He is widely revered and respected by Koreans today as one of the greatest figures in their history.