| Munhwa Ryoo | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 문화 류씨 |
| Hanja | 文化 柳氏 |
| Revised Romanization | Munhwa Ryu |
| McCune–Reischauer | Munhwa Ryu |
Munhwa Ryoo clan of Korea (or spelled Ryu or Rieu) is one of the great aristocratic houses of Goryeo and Joseon dynasty. "Munhwa" is the name of the clan seat, a township in modern-day Hwanghae province, North Korea. The surname "Ryoo" comes from the character meaning willow tree. Hence, the lineage is also called "willow Ryoo" (버들 류씨).
In the early tenth century AD the clan's progenitor Ryoo Cha-dal (류차달; 柳車達) was instrumental in defeating subversive forces and reuniting the kingdom under a new regime, the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). For his loyalty and service King Taejo rewarded Rieu with estates and the title "Duke of Great Aid" (대승공; 大丞公).
Until recently, it was thought that the Cha clan (차; 車) shared the same lineage as the Munhwa Ryoo clan. However, historians have proven that this was in fact an error.