뉴스레터

Independence, Democracy, and Pragmatism as the Zeitgeist

Upon its foundation in 1392, Joseon perceived submission to the powerful China as the utmost diplomatic priority. And Joseon acknowledged China as the center of the world. Joseon's diplomatic policy of submission to the powerful had the pragmatic purpose of achieving political stability as the basis of accepting the advanced Chinese culture. Its underlying assumption was that Joseon, having acknowledged China as the center of the world and accepted its culture, would be also a powerful country second to China. This world view is well reflected in 《Honilgangriyeokdaegukjido (World Map》 made in 1402 during the reign of King Taejong. And as the successor to Taejong, Sejong actively carried on with this trend. The reign of Sejong (1397-1450, in reign from 1418 to 1450), who rose to the throne about 30 years after the foundation of Joseon, was not a period of utter reliance on China but a period calling for the focus of energy on leading Joseon's independent culture to take root based on the stability achieved from the diplomacy of submission to China. Sejong defined independence, democracy, and pragmatism as the guiding principles of his statecraft. His invention of Hangul was the epitome of his accomplishments based on these principles.
In September 1446 (lunar calendar), after an extensive research, Sejong promulgated the written Korean language system Hangul, originally known as Hunminjeongum literally meaning 'Correct Sounds for Teaching the People.' Invented in 1443, Hangul was tested for as many as three years by the scholars and ministers within the palace before it was distributed to the people. What made Hangul more remarkable was the preface in which the purpose of its invention was specified. I don't think there is any other system of letters, whether Chinese characters or the Alphabet, with a clearly stated purpose of its invention. A total of 28 consonants and vowels, Hangul letters were shaped after the vocal organs and the Three Powers (三才: Heaven [天], Earth [地], Man [人]). And the combination of those letters was based on the applied principles of I-Ching philosophy. Hangul is a set of scientific and practical letters that enables the most natural expression of the Korean language. As a phonogram, Hangul brought the benefits of literacy to the common people. But Hangul had been met with strong opposition. The primary excuse offered by the opponents like Choi Man-ri and Kim Mun was consideration for Joseon's relationship with China. In February 1444, Choi Manri protested to the king in writing that using a set of letters different from that of China was in breach of the principle of submission to the powerful. However, Sejong made a logical case against the opposition and proceeded with the promulgation of Hangul, for he believed that the invention of a set of our own independent letters different from that of China and easy for even the unlearned people to use was indispensable to practicing his guiding principles for Joseon: independence, democracy, and pragmatism.

His Accomplishments in Agriculture, Medicine, and Science

The reign of Sejong was characterized by, above all else, his overflowing love for our agricultural methods, our science, our culture, and our music. Sejong was deeply interested in our own agriculture, medicine, science, and culture different from those of China, which resulted in a wide range of accomplishments, including the publication of《Nongsajikseol (農事直說)》, a guidebook on agricultural methods fit for our land, in 1429 (Sejong 11), and the completion of 《Hyangyakjibseongbang (鄕藥集成方)》, which presented prescriptions using medicinal materials produced in our land, in 1433 (Sejong 15). Increasing agricultural productivity required accurate agricultural timing, and the emphasis placed on agricultural timing led to the invention of astronomical apparatus like Ganeuidae, and all kinds of scientific apparatus, including clock and rain gauge. He initiated important changes in the production of calendar as well. The existing calendars in use, such as the Shoushi Calendar (授時曆) of the Yuan Dynasty, the Datong Calender (大統曆) of the Ming Dynasty, and the Muslim Calendar (回回曆) of Arabia, were incompatible in large part with our calendar system. In 1444 (Sejong 26), Sejong invented a unique calendar called 《Chiljeongsannaewaepyeon (七政算內外篇)》, presenting a more accurate daily calendar.

Participatory Politics

The key word that characterized Sejong's politics was 'participatory politics.' Although he was a man of exceptional ability, he was not opinionated in conducting state affairs. He brought talents across the nation together and created an environment where they could use their ability to the fullest. For instance, he directly asked up to 170,000 subjects for their opinions prior to enacting the tribute tax law on land called Gongbeop (貢法), established Jibhyeonjeon, the royal think tank, to allow the best talents to formulate national policies, and selected scientist Jang Yeong-sil from the lowest class. This represents prime examples of Sejong's embracing leadership. Sejong also labored for northern exploration; he determined the present-day border from the Amrok River to the Duman River by ordering Choi Yun-deok and Kim Jong-seo to establish Four Counties and Six Ports. By securing the present-day territory of the Korean Peninsula, he contributed to the stability of Northeast Asia as well as Joseon. In addition, Sejong produced musicians like Park Yeon and upright ministers like Hwang Hee, Maeng Sa-seong, Yoo Kwan, and Heo Jo. An exceptionally large number of talents who appeared during Sejong's reign illustrates his leadership of 'participatory politics.' The center of participatory politics was Jibhyeonjeon. Upon ascending to the throne, Sejong immediately elevated the status of Jibhyeonjeon to the central body of academics and policy, promoting it to a complete state organization serving as the center of academics. Jibhyeonjeon attracted outstanding scholars one after another, including Shin Suk-ju, Seong Sam-mun, Jeong In-ji, and Choi Hang, and analyzed old systems and researched pending policy issues. Jibhyeonjeon was the center of various research and publication projects, such as investigation of the old systems on housing, methods to entertain envoys visiting from China, and research into salt pond techniques, preparation of diplomatic documents, and survey of medicinal herbs.

Sejong as a Man

Sejong was born in Junsubang in Hanyang (present-day Seoul) in 1397 as the third son of King Taejong and Queen Wonkyeong. He was named Prince Chungnyeong in 1408 and then proclaimed the crown prince as his elder brother Prince Yangnyeong was deposed in June 1418. Two month later, in August 1418, he rose to the throne as his father King Taejong abdicated for him. Taejong had named Sejong his heir based on the principle of 'Takehyeon (擇賢: Choose the Wise).' Sejong, though established as a king, suffered a number of personal tragedies. For example, he outlived his wife and children, which drew him to Buddhism. In his early days as king, he was heartbroken as his father-in-law was executed by Taejong, and his mother-in-law enslaved by the government. His lifetime illness, including an eye disease and diabetes, interfered with his energetic activities. However, Sejong was not held back. As the supreme ruler, he put his abilities to use to the maximum extent possible, and led the officials and people by example, encouraging everyone to participate in resolving the challenges of the times. While suffering from illness, King Sejong fulfilled his historical mission. He rose to the challenge and left the best accomplishments to posterity, which makes him all the more admirable.