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Sejong the Great (May 15, 1397 – April 8, 1450, r. 1418–1450) was the fourth king of Joseon-dynasty Korea. Born with family name Yi (; ), given name Do (; ), family origin Jeonju (; ), sobriquet Wonjeong (; ). Posthumous name is Sejong (; ). Posthumous title, abbreviated, is Jang Heon Great King (; ),〔transliteration or ''King ... the Great''〕 and official title is Sejong Jangheon Yeongmun Yemu Inseong Myeonghyo Daewang (; ).〔''ibid''〕 He was the third son of King Taejong and Queen-Consort Min. He was designated as heir-apparent, Crown Prince, after his older brother Jae was stripped of his title. He ascended to the throne in 1418. During the first four years of his reign, Taejong governed as regent, after which his father-in-law, Sim On, and his close associates were executed. Sejong reinforced Confucian policies and executed major legal amendments (; ). He also created the Korean alphabet Hangul, encouraged advancements of scientific technology, and instituted many other efforts to stabilize and improve prosperity. He dispatched military campaigns to the north and instituted the Samin Policy (; ) to attract new settlers to the region. To the south, he subjugated Japanese raiders and captured Tsushima Island. During his reign from 1418 to 1450, he governed from 1418 to 1442 and governed as regent with his son Crown Prince MoonJong until his death in either 1442 or 1450. Although the appellation "the Great" / "大王" was given posthumously to almost every ruler of Goryeo and Joseon, this title is usually associated to Gwanggaeto, Munmu and Sejong.〔:ko:문무왕〕 ==Early life== Sejong was born on May 15, 1397, the third son of King Taejong.〔''Encyclopedia of World History'', Vol II, P362 Sejong, Edited by Marsha E. Ackermann, Michael J. Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, Mark F. Whitters, ISBN 978-0-8160-6386-4〕 When he was twelve, he became Grand Prince Choong-Nyung. As a young prince, Sejong excelled in various studies and was favored by King Taejong over his two older brothers. As the third son of Taejong, Sejong's ascension to the throne was unique. Taejong's eldest son, Yangnyeong (), was named heir apparent in 1404. However, Yangnyeong's free spirited nature as well as his preference for hunting and leisure activities resulted in his removal from the position of heir apparent in June of 1418. Though it is said that Yangnyeong abdicated in favor of his younger brother, there are no definitive records regarding Yangnyeong's removal. Taejong's second son Grand Prince Hyo-Ryung became a monk upon the elevation of his younger brother Sejong. Following the removal of Yangnyeong as heir apparent, Taejong moved quickly to secure his youngest son's position as heir apparent. The government was purged of officials who disagreed with the removal of Yangnyeong. In August of 1418, Taejong abdicated in favor of Sejong. However, even in retirement Taejong continued to influence government policy. Sejong's surprising political savvy and creativity did not become apparent until after Taejong's death in 1422.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Sejong the Great」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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