Gwangjong of Goryeo

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Gwangjong of Goryeo
Hangul 광종 Hanja 光宗 Revised Romanization Gwangjong McCune-Reischauer kwangjong
Birth name
Hangul 소 Hanja 昭 Revised Romanization So McCune-Reischauer So
Courtesy name
Hangul 일화 Hanja 日華 Revised Romanization Ilhwa McCune-Reischauer Ilhwa

Gwangjong (949-975) was the fourth emperor of the Goryeo which ruled Korea from the fall of Silla in 935 until the founding of Joseon in 1392.

Gwangjong was a reformer. In order to strengthen the power of the central government, Gwangjong, the 4th King in the lineage and of the kingdom, first, made laws to emancipate slaves (노비안검법, 奴婢按檢法) in 958, and one creating the national civil service examinations. Second, Gwangjong decided his era name. (his era name Junpung) Third, Gwangjong also proclaimed himself Emperor, independent from any other countries. He was also known in his reign (at least according to Choe Seung-no (최승로, 崔承老), a historian of the time) for being too obsessed with Buddhist activities, rituals, and public projects thus driving the kingdom into debt.

[edit] Family

• Father: Emperor Taejo (태조)
• Mother: Empress Sinmyeongsunseong (신명순성왕후)
• Consorts:

1. Empress Daemok (대목황후), half-sister of Gwangjong
2. Princess Gyeonghwagung (경화궁부인), niece of Gwangjong

• Children:

1. Emperor Gyeongjong (경종), 1st Son of Empress Daemok
2. Crown Prince Hyohwa (효화태자), 2nd Son of Empress Daemok
3. Princess Chonchu (천추공주), 1st daughter of Empress Daemok
4. Princess Bohwa (보화공주), 2nd daughter of Empress Daemok
5. Empress Mundeok (문덕왕후), 3rd daughter of Empress Daemok

[edit] See also

• List of Korean monarchs
• History of Korea
• List of Goryeo people

Preceded by Jeongjong

Rulers of Korea (Goryeo Dynasty) 949–975

Succeeded by Gyeongjong