Anyone learning Korean knows that King Sejong(세종대왕) is the one who created Hangul, the Korean writing system. But beyond this, King Sejong is regarded as one of the greatest kings in Korean history, often referred to as the "Best of the Best" for his incredible accomplishments.
During the Joseon(조선) Dynasty, detailed records of the royal family were kept in a vast document known as the "조선왕조실록"(Joseon Wangjo Sillok, The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty). This historical treasure consists of 2,077 volumes and contains a wealth of information, which led to its designation as a UNESCO Memory of the World in 1997.
Today, let's dive into some fascinating stories about King Sejong, drawn from these records. There are many interesting anecdotes that showcase his character and leadership!
King Sejong's Ascension to the Throne
King Sejong, originally named "이도"(Lee Do), became the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty in 1418 at the age of 22. He reigned for about 32 years, during which he was known for his deep love for the people. His dedication earned him lasting admiration, and he remains one of the most respected kings in Korean history.
A King Who Listened: The First Public Opinion Poll
During the Joseon Dynasty, kings held absolute power. Despite this, King Sejong valued the opinions of his subjects. Before introducing a new tax system, he conducted what could be considered the first public opinion poll in Korean history. To avoid corruption, he sent officials to personally gather people's views. Six months later, the results came in: 57.1% supported the new system, while 31.9% were against it. Although the majority supported the reform, Sejong took note of the opposition and implemented follow-up measures to address their concerns. This shows his willingness to listen and his ability to lead with empathy, rather than force.
A Champion of the Weak: Maternity Leave for Slaves?
The Joseon Dynasty had a rigid class system, and slaves were treated as mere property. Originally, female slaves were given only seven days of maternity leave—unimaginably harsh by any standards. But King Sejong saw this as unjust and ordered that slaves be granted 100 days of maternity leave. Furthermore, they were exempt from work starting one month before childbirth, and even male slaves were given a month off to help care for the newborn. This policy was groundbreaking for its time, showing Sejong's progressive stance on social issues.
The Hardworking King... and His Overworked Officials
King Sejong's love for his people extended to creating numerous policies and reforms, but implementing them required a great deal of effort from his officials. Working under a workaholic king was no easy task! Sejong was known for not accepting resignations, even when his officials pleaded for retirement.
One famous example involves "황희"(Hwang Hee), a renowned official who, at the age of 68, requested to retire. Sejong refused, saying that Hwang wasn’t old enough to quit. Even when Hwang’s parents passed away, Sejong allowed him only 100 days of mourning, rather than the traditional three years. Hwang was finally able to retire at the age of 87, passing away just three years later. Interestingly, Sejong himself died the year after Hwang’s retirement, leading many to wonder if Hwang’s fate was tied to the king’s relentless demand for hard work.
King Sejong’s Love for Meat
Despite his many virtues, King Sejong had one habit that wasn’t quite so healthy—his love of meat. He was known to have a rather plump figure, which was attributed to his preference for reading books indoors and eating meat, instead of engaging in physical activities like horseback riding or archery.
In Joseon, it was customary not to eat meat during the three-year mourning period after a parent’s death. But King Sejong’s love for meat was so well known that, on his deathbed, Sejong’s father specifically instructed that his son be allowed to eat meat during the mourning period!
Sejong’s sedentary lifestyle and meat-heavy diet eventually took a toll on his health. Two years before the creation of Hangul, his health had already deteriorated to the point where he had trouble seeing. Seven years after completing his great work on Hangul, he passed away, likely a victim of his unbalanced lifestyle.
➤ Today, we explored some of the lesser-known stories about King Sejong from the Joseon Wangjo Sillok. While most people know him as the creator of Hangul, these tales highlight other aspects of his leadership, personality, and impact. From his innovative governance to his progressive social policies, King Sejong’s legacy extends far beyond the creation of a writing system. His contributions to science, politics, and economics were equally impressive, making him the only Korean king to be honored with the title “Great.” One can only hope that a leader as remarkable as King Sejong will once again emerge in Korea’s future!
