Overview
The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) was the longest-ruling dynasty in Korean history, lasting 518 years. During this period, 27 kings ruled the kingdom. This ebook provides a comprehensive guide to all Joseon monarchs, their achievements, and historical significance.
Key Statistics
- Duration: 518 years (1392-1910)
- Number of Kings: 27
- Average Reign: 19.19 years
- Average Lifespan: 47.04 years
- Longest Reign: King Yeongjo (52 years)
- Shortest Reign: King Injong (8 months)
Complete List of Joseon Kings
| No. | Name | Reign | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taejo | 1392-1398 | Founded Joseon Dynasty |
| 2 | Jeongjong | 1398-1400 | - |
| 3 | Taejong | 1400-1418 | Strengthened royal authority |
| 4 | Sejong | 1418-1450 | Created Hangul |
| 5 | Munjong | 1450-1452 | - |
| 6 | Danjong | 1452-1455 | Deposed by uncle |
| 7 | Sejo | 1455-1468 | Started Gyeongguk Daejeon |
| 8 | Yejong | 1468-1469 | - |
| 9 | Seongjong | 1469-1494 | Completed Gyeongguk Daejeon |
| 10 | Yeonsangun | 1494-1506 | Tyrant king, deposed |
| 11 | Jungjong | 1506-1544 | Reform attempts |
| 12 | Injong | 1544-1545 | Shortest reign |
| 13 | Myeongjong | 1545-1567 | - |
| 14 | Seonjo | 1567-1608 | Imjin War (Japanese Invasion) |
| 15 | Gwanghaegun | 1608-1623 | Dongui Bogam completed |
| 16 | Injo | 1623-1649 | Manchu invasions |
| 17 | Hyojong | 1649-1659 | Northern Expedition plans |
| 18 | Hyeonjong | 1659-1674 | - |
| 19 | Sukjong | 1674-1720 | Unified currency (Sangpyeong Tongbo) |
| 20 | Gyeongjong | 1720-1724 | - |
| 21 | Yeongjo | 1724-1776 | Longest reign, Tangpyeong Policy |
| 22 | Jeongjo | 1776-1800 | Gyujanggak, Hwaseong Fortress |
| 23 | Sunjo | 1800-1834 | Start of In-law Politics |
| 24 | Heonjong | 1834-1849 | - |
| 25 | Cheoljong | 1849-1863 | "Ganghwa Island Prince" |
| 26 | Gojong | 1863-1907 | Korean Empire (1897) |
| 27 | Sunjong | 1907-1910 | Last Emperor |
Key Periods
Foundation Era (1392-1494)
This period saw the establishment of Joseon"s political and cultural foundations. King Sejong"s creation of Hangul (Korean alphabet) in 1443 remains the dynasty"s greatest cultural achievement.
Era of Literati Purges (1494-1567)
Four major purges of scholars occurred during this period, reflecting political instability and conflict between different factions.
Era of Foreign Invasions (1567-1674)
Joseon faced the devastating Imjin War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598) and two Manchu invasions (1627, 1636-1637).
Renaissance Period (1674-1800)
Kings Sukjong, Yeongjo, and Jeongjo brought political stability and cultural flourishing through the Tangpyeong (impartiality) policy.
Decline and Fall (1800-1910)
The final century saw in-law politics, isolation policy, forced opening, and eventual annexation by Japan in 1910.
Sources
Wikipedia, Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, National Institute of Korean History