Overview
Joseon was a dynasty ruled by 27 kings for approximately 505 years from 1392 to 1897. Founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye, it was transformed into the Korean Empire under Emperor Gojong.
List of Kings (1392-1897)
| No. | King | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taejo | 1392-1398 | Yi Seong-gye, founder of Joseon |
| 2 | Jeongjong | 1398-1400 | |
| 3 | Taejong | 1400-1418 | Yi Bang-won, strengthened royal power |
| 4 | Sejong | 1418-1450 | Created Hangul, greatest king |
| 5 | Munjong | 1450-1452 | |
| 6 | Danjong | 1452-1455 | Abdicated to Sejo |
| 7 | Sejo | 1455-1468 | Usurped throne |
| 9 | Seongjong | 1469-1494 | Completed Gyeongguk Daejeon |
| 10 | Yeonsangun | 1494-1506 | Deposed for tyranny |
| 11 | Jungjong | 1506-1544 | |
| 14 | Seonjo | 1567-1608 | Imjin War (Japanese invasions) |
| 15 | Gwanghaegun | 1608-1623 | Neutral diplomacy, deposed |
| 16 | Injo | 1623-1649 | Byeongja War (Manchu invasions) |
| 19 | Sukjong | 1674-1720 | Jang Hui-bin |
| 21 | Yeongjo | 1724-1776 | Longest reign (52 years), Tangpyeong policy |
| 22 | Jeongjo | 1776-1800 | Established Kyujanggak, built Hwaseong |
| 26 | Gojong | 1863-1907 | Proclaimed Korean Empire (1897) |
| 27 | Sunjong | 1907-1910 | Last emperor, Japanese annexation |
Korean Empire Emperors (1897-1910)
| No. | Emperor | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gojong (Gwangmu) | 1897-1907 | Proclaimed Korean Empire |
| 2 | Sunjong (Yunghui) | 1907-1910 | Japanese annexation, end of empire |
Notable Kings
King Sejong the Great (r. 1418-1450)
Created Hangul (Korean alphabet), the greatest achievement in Korean cultural history. Established Jiphyeonjeon and advanced science and culture.
King Yeongjo (r. 1724-1776)
Longest-reigning king in Joseon history (52 years). Implemented the Tangpyeong policy to reduce factional strife.