Munjong of Joseon
| Yi Hyang | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Joseon | |||||||||
| Reign | 18 May 1450 – 14 May 1452 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Sejong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Successor | Danjong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Born | November 15, 1414 | ||||||||
| Died | June 1, 1452 (aged 37) Gyeongbokgung, Hanseong |
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| Consort | Queen Hyeondeok | ||||||||
| Issue | Danjong of Joseon | ||||||||
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| House | Jeonju Yi | ||||||||
| Father | Sejong of Joseon | ||||||||
| Mother | Queen Soheon | ||||||||
| Posthumous name | |
|---|---|
| King Munjong Gongsun Heummyung Insuk Gwangmun Seonghyo the Great of Korea 문종공순흠명인숙광문성효대왕 文宗恭順欽明仁肅光文聖孝大王 |
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| Temple name | |
| Munjong |
| Munjong of Joseon | |
| Hangul | 문종 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 文宗 |
| Revised Romanization | Munjong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Munjong |
| Birth name | |
| Hangul | 이향 |
| Hanja | 李珦 |
| Revised Romanization | I Hyang |
| McCune–Reischauer | I Hyang |
Munjong of Joseon (15 November 1414 - 1 June 1452) was the fifth King of the Joseon Dynasty, who ruled Korea from 1450 to 1452. He was the eldest son of King Sejong and succeeded him in 1450, but died of disease two years later. He was succeeded by his son, Danjong of Joseon.
Most of Munjong's achievements were performed during his princely life. Although credited is primarily given to Jang Yeong-sil for inventing the water gauge, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty state that it was the Crown Prince who found measures of water levels in the ground. He improved Hwacha as well-known type for nowadays, by himself and yonger brother Pe. ImYung(Yi Gu, 임영대군 이구). Also, it was Munjong who took care of state affairs late during King Sejong's reign, as Sejong developed various illnesses and disorders.
Munjong was the longest holder of the position of Crown Prince during the Joseon Dynasty, holding the position from 1421 to 1450, a record 29 years. From 1442 until his own accession to the throne in 1450, he served as regent to King Sejong.
King Sejong is considered as the best king in Korean history, however, he didn't have good daughter-in-laws. He especially took care of Royal Noble Consort Sun of the Haeum Bong clan (순빈 봉씨) after experiencing a loss of the first daughter-in-law. Firstly, Royal Noble Consort Hwi of the Andong Kim clan wanted to gain love from Munjong. She burned shoes of Munjong's love and made her drink the ashes with alcohol. Later, King Sejong found out and she was kicked out of her position which was the second highest position where women could go during Joseon Dynasty. After Royal Noble Consort Hwi of the Andong Kim clan lost her position, Royal Noble Consort Sun of the Haeum Bong clan (순빈 봉씨) became crowned prince's second wife. However, she was so lonely that she loved one of her maids named So-ssang (소쌍). Also, she relied on alcohol too much and at that time period, woman drinking too much alcohol was unacceptable. She lost her position because the king found out that she was a lesbian. Lastly, Queen of the Andong Kwon clan became the third wife of Munjong. She was the only wife that Munjong loved and she gave birth to Princess Gyeonghye and Danjong. Danjong was the next king of Joseon after Munjong died. She wasn't a troublemaker but she died right after she gave birth to her son.
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Wikipedia