# Sejo of Joseon

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King of Joseon from 1455 to 1468

"Sejo" redirects here. For the father of [Taejo of Goryeo](/source/Taejo_of_Goryeo), see [Wang Ryung](/source/Wang_Ryung).

Not to be confused with [Sejong of Joseon](/source/Sejong_of_Joseon) or [Seonjo of Joseon](/source/Seonjo_of_Joseon).

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Sejo Sketch of an original state portrait, c. 1927 King of Joseon Reign 4 July 1455 – 1 October 1468 Coronation 3 August 1455 Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung Predecessor Danjong Successor Yejong King Emeritus of Joseon Reign 1 – 2 October 1468 Predecessor Danjong Successor Jungjong Chief State Councilor Reign 20 November 1453 – 4 July 1455 Predecessor Hwangbo In Successor Chŏng Inji Regent Danjong Born 11 November 1417 Hanseong, Joseon Died 2 October 1468(1468-10-02) (aged 50) Suganggung, Hanseong, Joseon Burial Gwangneung, Namyangju, South Korea Spouse Queen Jeonghui ​ (m. 1428)​ Issue Crown Prince Ŭigyŏng Yejong of Joseon House Jeonju Yi Dynasty Yi Father King Sejong Mother Queen Soheon Religion Korean Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism) → Korean Buddhism Signature Korean name Hangul 세조 Hanja 世祖 RR Sejo MR Sejo

Monarchs of Korea Joseon monarchs Taejo 1392–1398 Jeongjong 1398–1400 Taejong 1400–1418 Sejong 1418–1450 Munjong 1450–1452 Danjong 1452–1455 Sejo 1455–1468 Yejong 1468–1469 Seongjong 1469–1494 Yeonsangun 1494–1506 Jungjong 1506–1544 Injong 1544–1545 Myeongjong 1545–1567 Seonjo 1567–1608 Gwanghaegun 1608–1623 Injo 1623–1649 Hyojong 1649–1659 Hyeonjong 1659–1674 Sukjong 1674–1720 Gyeongjong 1720–1724 Yeongjo 1724–1776 Jeongjo 1776–1800 Sunjo 1800–1834 Heonjong 1834–1849 Cheoljong 1849–1864 Gojong 1864–1897 v t e

**Sejo** ([Korean](/source/Korean_language): 세조; [Hanja](/source/Hanja): 世祖; 11 November 1417 – 2 October 1468),[c] personal name **Yi Yu**, sometimes known as **Grand Prince Suyang**, was the seventh monarch of [Joseon](/source/Joseon). He was the second son of [Sejong the Great](/source/Sejong_the_Great) and the uncle of [King Danjong](/source/Danjong_of_Joseon), whom he forced to abdicate in 1455, after having previously led a [coup d'état](/source/Coup_d'%C3%A9tat) against him two years earlier. In his quest to seize power he ruthlessly killed rivals, including his younger brothers, [Grand Prince Anpyeong](/source/Grand_Prince_Anpyeong) and Grand Prince Geumseong. However, during his reign, he reformed administration, led campaigns against the [Jurchens](/source/Jurchen_people), revised land laws, promoted literature, and established [court music](/source/Korean_court_music). His *[Kyŏngguk Taejŏn](/source/Ky%C5%8Fngguk_taej%C5%8Fn)* became Joseon's foundational legal framework.

## Biography

### Early life

Born in 1417 as the fourth child and second son of Grand Prince Chungnyeong (future [King Sejong](/source/Sejong_the_Great)) by his primary wife, Lady Sim of the Cheongsong Sim clan (future [Queen Soheon](/source/Queen_Soheon)), he showed great ability at archery, horse riding and martial arts, and was also a brilliant military commander, though he never went to the battlefront himself. He also possessed musical talent, which delighted his father, who claimed that the prince could achieve many great things if he put his mind to it.[1] In 1428, he received the title **Grand Prince Suyang** by which he is better known.

### Rise to power

Following the death of King Sejong in 1450, Suyang's ill brother, Yi Hyang (later known as [King Munjong](/source/Munjong_of_Joseon)), took the throne but died two years later, and the crown passed to his 12-year-old son, Yi Hongwi (posthumously named [King Danjong](/source/Danjong_of_Joseon)).[2] The new monarch was too young to rule the nation, and the government was controlled by [Chief State Councillor](/source/Y%C5%8Fng%C5%ADij%C5%8Fng) [Hwangbo In](/source/Hwangbo_In) and General [Kim Chongsŏ](/source/Kim_Chongs%C5%8F), who was the [Left State Councillor](/source/Chwa%C5%ADij%C5%8Fng). As Kim Chongsŏ and his faction used the chance to extend the power of court officials against royal family members, the tension between him and Suyang greatly increased not only Suyang himself, but his younger brother, [Grand Prince Anpyeong](/source/Grand_Prince_Anpyeong), also sought an opportunity to take control of the country.[3]

In order to court the support of the [Ming dynasty](/source/Ming_dynasty), Suyang became an ambassador in 1452. He also surrounded himself with trusted allies, including his famous tactician, [Han Myŏnghoe](/source/Han_My%C5%8Fnghoe), who advised him to take over the government in a coup. In 1453, Suyang killed Kim Chongsŏ and his faction, thereby taking the reins of power into his own hands. After the coup, he arrested his own brother, [Grand Prince Anpyeong](/source/Grand_Prince_Anpyeong), first sending him into exile, then sentencing him to death.[3]

### Reign

Finally, in 1455 Suyang forced the powerless king to abdicate, declaring himself the new ruler of Joseon (today known by the [temple name](/source/Temple_name) "Sejo").[2]

After his younger brother Grand Prince Geumsung, and [six scholars](/source/Six_martyred_ministers), including [Sŏng Sammun](/source/S%C5%8Fng_Sammun), [Pak P'aengnyŏn](/source/Pak_P'aengny%C5%8Fn) and [Yi Kae](/source/Yi_Kae), plotted to remove him from power in an attempt to put his nephew back on the throne, Suyang demoted the former king Danjong from "King Emeritus" (*Sangwang*, 상왕, 上王) to "Prince Nosan" (*Nosan-gun*, 노산군, 魯山君) and later ordered him to commit suicide by poison.

Despite having snatched the throne from his young nephew and killing many people in the process, Sejo proved himself one of the ablest rulers and administrators in Korean history. First, he continued [King Taejong](/source/Taejong_of_Joseon)'s legacy of strengthening the monarchy by weakening the power of the [State Council](/source/State_Council_of_Joseon) and bringing the officials directly under the king's control. He also further developed the administrative system, which had also been introduced by Taejong, enabling the government to determine exact population numbers and to mobilize troops effectively (this caused [Yi Si-ae's Rebellion](/source/Yi_Si-ae's_Rebellion), which he suppressed). Just like Taejong, Sejo was a hardliner concerning foreign policy and attacked the [Jurchens](/source/Jurchen_people) on the northern front in 1460 (오랑캐; 兀良哈) and 1467 (호리개; 胡里改). He also revised the land ordinance to improve the national economy and encouraged the publication of history, economy, agriculture, and religion books.

Sejo himself compiled a number of books based on his interests. One of them is *[Seokbosangjeol](/source/Seokbosangjeol)*, a biography of [Gautama Buddha](/source/Gautama_Buddha).[4] The others are *Worinseokbo* (월인석보; 月印釋譜) and *Yeokdaebyeongyo* (역대병요; 歷代兵要). One of his crowning achievements was the cultural progress Joseon made during his reign, such as the establishment of [Jongmyo court music](/source/Jongmyo_jerye#Jerye-ak).[1] His father, King Sejong, had always wanted to use Korean music rather than Chinese music for ancestral ritual, but conservative court officials thought that Chinese music was far superior to Korean music and stopped Sejong's efforts. However, when King Sejo rose to the throne, he modified the ritual music composed by his father and used it for royal ancestral rituals, which is now inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity.[1]

Most importantly, he compiled the [Grand Code for State Administration](/source/Ky%C5%8Fngguk_taej%C5%8Fn), which became the cornerstone of dynastic administration and provided the first form of written constitutional law in Korea.

### Death

Sejo died in 1468, and the throne passed to his sickly second son, Yi Hwang ([Yejong of Joseon](/source/Yejong_of_Joseon)). His tomb is known as *Gwangneung* (광릉) and is located in [Namyangju](/source/Namyangju), South Korea.

## Family

### Parents

- Father: [King Sejong of Joseon](/source/Sejong_the_Great) (15 May 1397 – 8 April 1450) - Grandfather: [King Taejong of Joseon](/source/Taejong_of_Joseon) (13 June 1367 – 30 May 1422) - Grandmother: [Queen Wongyeong](/source/Queen_Wongyeong) of the [Yeoheung Min clan](/source/Yeoheung_Min_clan) (29 July 1365 – 18 August 1420)

- Mother: [Queen Soheon](/source/Queen_Soheon) of the Cheongsong Shim clan (12 October 1395 – 19 April 1446) - Grandfather: [Sim On](/source/Sim_On) (1375 – 18 January 1419) - Grandmother: Lady An of the [Sunheung An clan](/source/Sunheung_An_clan) (순흥 안씨; 1373–1444)

### Consorts and issue

- [Queen Jeonghui](/source/Queen_Jeonghui) of the Papyeong Yun clan (8 December 1418 – 6 May 1483) - Yi Sehŭi, Princess Uiryeong (의령공주; 1437–?), first daughter[d] — Disputed. - [Yi Chang, Crown Prince Uigyeong](/source/Crown_Prince_Uigyeong) (1438 – 2 September 1457), first son - Princess Uisuk (의숙공주; 1441 – 15 January 1478), second daughter - [Yi Hwang, Grand Prince Haeyang](/source/Yejong_of_Joseon) (14 January 1450 – 31 December 1469), third son

- Royal Noble Consort Geun of the Seonsan Pak clan (근빈 박씨; 1425–1504) - Yi Sŏ, Prince Deokwon (덕원군 이서; 7 April 1449 – 18 August 1498), second son - Yi Sŏng, Prince Changwon (창원군 이성; 1458 – 14 September 1505), fourth son

- Deposed Royal Consort So-yong of the Pak clan (폐소용 박씨; 1417 – 3 October 1465) - Yi Aji (이아지; 1459–1463), fifth son

- Royal Consort Suk-won of the Goryeong Sin clan (숙원 신씨; 1455 – ?)

## Ancestry

Ancestors of Sejo of Joseon 16. Yi Chach'un, King Hwanjo of Joseon / Ulus Bukha (조선 환조 이자춘) / (吾魯思不花) 8. King Taejo of Joseon (조선 태조) 17. Queen Uihye of the Yeongheung Ch'oe clan (의혜왕후 최씨) 4. King Taejong of Joseon (조선 태종) 18. Han Kyŏng, Internal Prince Ancheon (안천부원군 한경) 9. Queen Sinui of the Cheongju Han clan (신의왕후 한씨) 19. Lady Sin of the Saknyeong Sin clan (삭녕 신씨) 2. King Sejong of Joseon (조선 세종) 20. Min Pyŏn (민변) 10. Min Che, Internal Prince Yeoheung & Duke Mundo (여흥부원군 문도공 민제) 21. Lady Hŏ of the Yangcheon Hŏ clan (양천 허씨) 5. Queen Wongyeong of the Yeoheung Min clan (원경왕후 민씨) 22. Song Sŏn (송선) 11. Lady Song of the Yeosan Song clan (여산 송씨) 23. Lady Ha of the Dalseong Ha clan (달성 하씨) 1. Sejo of Joseon 24. Sim Ryong (심룡) 12. Sim Tŏkbu (심덕부) 25. Lady Kim (김씨) 6. Sim On, Internal Prince Cheongcheon & Duke Anhyo (청천부원군 안효공 심온) 26. Mun P'ildae (문필대) 13. Lady Mun of the Incheon Mun clan (인천 문씨) 3. Queen Soheon of the Cheongsong Sim clan (소헌왕후 심씨) 14. An Ch'ŏnbo (안천보) 7. Lady An of the Sunheung An clan (순흥 안씨) 15. Lady Kim of the Yeongju Kim clan (영주 김씨)

## In popular culture

Sejo was a prominent character in *The Ume Tree in the Midst of the* *Snow* (설중매), the third installment of [MBC](/source/MBC_TV)'s monumental series *500 Years of Joseon Dynasty*. Moon Ki-hoon of *[The Korean Herald](/source/The_Korea_Herald)* labelled the depiction "a creative betrayal of the historical record", arguing that it attempted to rehabilitate Sejo's status as an usurper. Moon linked the depiction to political coercion from president [Chun Doo-hwan](/source/Chun_Doo-hwan), who gained his position from a [coup](/source/1979_South_Korean_coup_d'%C3%A9tat) in 1979.[5]

The 2026 film *[The King's Warden](/source/The_King's_Warden)* depicts Danjong's exile and death. Though Sejo is not seen onscreen, the popularity of the film led to Sejo's royal tomb being [review-bombed](/source/Review_bomb) on several navigation apps.[5]

- Portrayed by Kim Al-eum in the 1983 [MBC](/source/Munhwa_Broadcasting_Corporation) TV series *[The King of Chudong Palace](/source/The_King_of_Chudong_Palace)*.

- Portrayed by Nam Sung-woo in the 1984–1985 [MBC](/source/Munhwa_Broadcasting_Corporation) TV series *500 Years of Joseon Dynasty: The Ume Tree in the Midst of the Snow*.

- Portrayed by [Seo In-seok](/source/Seo_In-seok) in the 1994 [KBS2](/source/Korean_Broadcasting_System#Channels) TV series *Han Myung-hoi*.

- Portrayed by Im Dong-jin in the 1998–2000 [KBS1](/source/Korean_Broadcasting_System#Channels) TV series *[The King and Queen](/source/The_King_and_Queen)*.

- Portrayed by Choi Bong-sik in the 2007 [KBS2](/source/Korean_Broadcasting_System#Channels) TV series *Sayuksin*.

- Portrayed by [Kim Byung-se](/source/Kim_Byung-se) in the 2007–2008 [SBS](/source/Seoul_Broadcasting_System) TV series *[The King and I](/source/The_King_and_I_(TV_series))*.

- Portrayed by [Kim Yeong-cheol](/source/Kim_Yeong-cheol_(actor)) in the 2011 [KBS2](/source/Korean_Broadcasting_System#Channels) TV series *[The Princess' Man](/source/The_Princess'_Man).*

- Portrayed by Kim Young-ho in the 2011 [JTBC](/source/JTBC) TV series *[Insu, the Queen Mother](/source/Insu%2C_the_Queen_Mother)*.

- Portrayed by [Lee Jung-jae](/source/Lee_Jung-jae) in the 2013 film *[The Face Reader](/source/The_Face_Reader)*.

- Portrayed by Go Young-bin in the 2016 [KBS1](/source/Korean_Broadcasting_System#Channels) TV series *[Jang Yeong-sil](/source/Jang_Yeong-sil_(TV_series))*.

- Portrayed by [Park Hee-soon](/source/Park_Hee-soon) in the 2019 film *[Jesters: The Game Changers](/source/Jesters%3A_The_Game_Changers)*.

- Portrayed by Kim Nam-gil in the 2026 film *[Canvas of Blood](/source/Canvas_of_Blood)*.

## See also

- [List of monarchs of Korea](/source/List_of_monarchs_of_Korea)

- [Korean–Jurchen border conflicts](/source/Korean%E2%80%93Jurchen_border_conflicts)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** From 1445 to 1455. Previously, Grand Prince Jinpyeong (진평대군; 晉平大君) from 1428 to 1433; Grand Prince Hampyeong (함평대군; 咸平大君) in 1433; and Grand Prince Jinyang (진양대군; 晉陽大君) from 1433 to 1445.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Gyeongtae ([Jingtai](/source/Jingtai_Emperor)) (경태; 景泰): 1455–1457 Cheonsun ([Tianshun](/source/Emperor_Yingzong_of_Ming)) (천순; 天順): 1457–1464 Seonghwa ([Chenghua](/source/Chenghua_Emperor)) (성화; 成化): 1465–1468

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** In the [Korean calendar](/source/Korean_calendar) ([lunisolar](/source/Lunisolar_calendar)), he was born on the 24th day of the 9th lunar month and died on the 8th day of the 9th lunar month.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** She is only mentioned in an unofficial history (야사; 野史) called *Kŭmgye p'ildam* (금계필담; 錦溪筆談) written in 1873 by Sŏ Yuyŏng (서유영). The sole reference at her existence in an official document is a passage from the [Annals of the Joseon dynasty](/source/Veritable_Records_of_the_Joseon_Dynasty), where Grand Prince Suyang (as Sejo was still known at the time) is recorded as having "one son and two daughters" [Sejong Sillok, year 28].

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-King_Sejo_and_Music_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-King_Sejo_and_Music_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-King_Sejo_and_Music_4-2) ["King Sejo and Music"](https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/contents_view.htm?lang=e&board_seq=367963). KBS World. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-The_Korea_Times_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-The_Korea_Times_5-1) An, Seung-jun (11 March 2014). ["Forgotten story of Princess Gyeonghye"](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/01/386_153138.html). Korea Times. Retrieved 17 January 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_6-1) [세조](https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?cid=40942&docId=1113247&categoryId=33383). *terms.naver.com* (in Korean). Retrieved 4 February 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-WDL_7-0)** ["Life History and Sermon of Buddha Abstracted from Buddhist Scriptures"](http://www.wdl.org/en/item/4163/). *[World Digital Library](/source/World_Digital_Library)*. 1447. Retrieved 24 May 2013.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_9-1) Ki-hoon, Moon (12 March 2026). ["The people's king: How "The King's Warden" became Korea's biggest film in years"](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10693016). *The Korea Herald*. Retrieved 7 April 2026.

Sejo of Joseon House of Yi Born: 2 November 1417 Died: 23 September 1468 Regnal titles Preceded by Danjong King of Joseon 24 June 1455 – 22 September 1468 Succeeded by Yejong

v t e House of Yi List of monarchs Kings of Joseon Emperor of Korea King Yi Genealogy Jeonju Yi clan Royal Family Association Kingdom of Joseon and Korean Empire (1392–1910) Posthumous[note 1] Mokjo (1392) Ikjo (1392) Dojo (1392) Hwanjo (1392) Deokjong (1475) Wonjong (1634) Jinjong (1776) Jangjo (1899) Munjo (1834) King of Joseon (1392–1897) Taejo (1392–1398) Jeongjong (1398–1400) Taejong (1400–1418) Sejong (1418–1450) Munjong (1450–1452) Danjong (1452–1455) Sejo (1455–1468) Yejong (1468–1469) Seongjong (1469–1494) Yeonsan# (1494–1506) Jungjong (1506–1544) Injong (1544–1545) Myeongjong (1545–1569) Seonjo (1569–1608) Gwanghae# (1608–1623) Injo (1623–1649) Hyojong (1649–1659) Hyeonjong (1659–1674) Sukjong (1674–1720) Gyeongjong (1720–1724) Yeongjo (1724–1776) Jeongjo (1776–1800) Sunjo (1800–1834) Heonjong (1834–1849) Cheoljong (1849–1864) Gojong (1864–1897) Emperor of Korea (1897–1910) Gojong (1897–1907) Sunjong (1907–1910) Crown Prince[note 2] Ŭian (1392–1398) Yangnyŏng (1404–1418) Ŭigyŏng (1455–1457) Yi Hwang (1502–1506) Sunhoe (1557–1563) Yi Ji (1608–1623) Sohyeon (1625–1645) Hyojang (1725–1728) Sado (1736–1762) Uiso (1751–1752) Munhyo (1784–1786) Hyomyeong (1812–1830) Uimin (1907–1910) Daewongun[note 3] Deokheung (1569) Jeongye (1849) Heungseon (1864) Rival king Heungan (1624) Korea under Japanese rule (1910–1945) King Yi[note 4] (1910–1947) King Emeritus (Deoksugung) Yi Hui (1910–1919) King (Changdeokgung) Yi Cheok (1910–1926) Yi Un (1926–1947) Crown Prince Yi Un (1910) Yi Ku (1931) Post-World War II (1945–present) Jeonju Lee Royal Family Association Yi Kang (1922) Yi Un (1966) Yi Ku (1973) Yi Won (2007) Pretenders Yi Seok (2005 – c. 2021/2022) Yi Hae-won (2006–2020) Andrew Lee (c. 2021/2022–) # denotes that the king was deposed and never received a temple name. ^ Those who were listed were not reigning monarchs but posthumously recognized; the year following means the year of recognition. ^ Only the crown princes that did not become the king were listed; the former year indicates when one officially became the heir and the latter one is that when one died/deposed. Those who ascended to the throne were excluded in the list for simplification. ^ The title given to the biological father, who never reigned, of the kings who were adopted as the heir to a precedent king. ^ The de jure monarch of Korea during the era was the Emperor of Japan, while the former Korean emperors were given nobility title "King Yi" instead.

v t e Grand Princes of Joseon The generations are numbered from the ascension of Taejo as King of Joseon in 1397. 1st generation Yi Hwa, Grand Prince Ŭian^• Grand Prince Chinan Grand Prince Igan [ko] Grand Prince Hoean Grand Prince Tŏgan [ko] Grand Prince Muan [ko] 2nd generation Grand Prince Yangnyŏng ^• Grand Prince Hyoryŏng Grand Prince Ch'ungnyŏng Grand Prince Sŏngnyŏng [ko] 3rd generation Grand Prince Suyang Grand Prince Anpyeong Grand Prince Imyŏng Grand Prince Kwangp'yŏng [ko] Grand Prince Kŭmsŏng [ko] Grand Prince P'yŏngwŏn [ko] Grand Prince Yŏngŭng [ko] 4th generation None 5th generation Grand Prince Haeyang 6th generation Grand Prince Wŏlsan 7th generation Grand Prince Insŏng [ko] Grand Prince Chean [ko] 8th generation Grand Prince Chinsŏng 9th generation Grand Prince Ch'angnyŏng 10th generation Grand Prince Kyŏngwŏn 11th generation None 12th generation None 13th generation Grand Prince Nŭngyang Grand Prince Nŭngwŏn Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang 14th generation Grand Prince Pongnim Grand Prince Inp'yŏng Grand Prince Yongsŏng [ko] ^• Forfeited rights to the succession

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND FAST WorldCat National United States France BnF data Japan Korea Israel Belgium People DDB Other Open Library 2 Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sejo of Joseon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejo_of_Joseon) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejo_of_Joseon?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.