Yeonguijeong

Yeonguijeong
Portrait of Chae Jegong who served as Yeonguijeong during the King Jeongjo's reign.
Korean name
Hangul	영의정/ 영상/ 상상/ 수규/ 원보
Hanja	/ / / /
Revised Romanization	yeong-uijeong/ sangsang/ sugyu/ wonbo
McCune–Reischauer	yŏng'ŭijŏng / sangsang/ sukyu / wonbo

Yeonguijeong (Korean pronunciation: [jʌŋ ɰi tɕʌŋ]) was a title created in 1400, during the Joseon Dynasty of Korea (1392-1910) and given to the Chief State Councillor as the highest government position of "Uijeongbu" (State Council). Existing for over 500 years, the function was handed over in 1895 during the Gabo Reform to the newly formed position of Prime Minister of Korea. Only one official at a time was appointed to the position and though was generally called Yeongsang, was also referred to as Sangsang, Sugyu or Wonbo. Although, the title of Yeonguijeong was defined as the highest post in charge of every state affairs by law, its practical functions changed drastically depending on the particular King and whether that King's power was strong or weak.

The Korean Joseon Dynasty inherited the state structure of its predecessor, the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), but soon began to reorganize the government. In 1400, the second year after King Jeongjong ascended to the throne, he renamed the Privy Council or Dopyeonguisasa, the highest assigned post in charge of the state affairs of Goryeo, to "Uijeongbu" and let the post be called "yeonguijeong busa" (領議政府事). As both functions of Uijeongbu got stronger, and its system was further revised, Yeonguijeong busa was renamed to Yeonguijeong in a firm establishment of the office.

In 1466, the position was officially put in statutory form as Gyeongguk daejeon (Complete Code of Law) was complied. The Yeongjuijeong title was generally conferred on a senior minister who had previously served as Jwauijeong (Second State Councillor), a post immediately below that of Yeonguijeong, but higher than that of Uuijeong (Third State Councillor). The three posts were collectively referred to as "Samjeongseung" (Three top officials) or "Samuijeong" (Three High Councilors).