King Taejong, known for solidifying royal power, laid the groundwork for his son Sejong, who became a beloved ruler focused on the welfare of his people and the inclusion of talented individuals.
In his book Great Thoughts of Sejong, author Park Hyun-mo, who has studied Sejong for 26 years, examines Sejong's political philosophy and leadership through 100 selected quotes from the Annals of Sejong. Rather than merely listing his achievements, such as the creation of the Hunminjeongeum and advancements in science and technology, the book delves into Sejong's motivations for inspiring people and leading the nation. It piques curiosity about the remarkable governance of Sejong himself.
Sejong was not born with the qualities of a great king. As a child, he was known as Chungnyeong and often lacked flexibility, strictly adhering to notions of right and wrong and reporting his brother's mistakes to their father. His transformation began with reading. Taejong, who had initially deemed Chungnyeong as unlikely to ascend the throne, advised him, "You have nothing to do, so just enjoy yourself." Chungnyeong immersed himself in academics and the arts, practicing 'Baekdok,' or reading over a hundred good books. Through this, he cultivated the wisdom to govern himself and lead the nation.
Taejong's decision was pivotal in Sejong's ascension. He deposed his eldest son, Prince Yangnyeong, and appointed Chungnyeong as the crown prince. Although it was a painful process that made him want to "cry out loud," he prioritized the nation's future over familial ties. The author notes that Taejong's greatest achievement was choosing a successor who would surpass him. After Sejong's ascension, Taejong took on difficult tasks to shield his son from public discontent. He stated, "I take on all the responsibilities of the people so that after the crown prince ascends, not even a handful of dirt or a piece of wood will burden the people" (Annals of Taejong, July 5, 18th year). Building on his father's foundation, Sejong ushered in a new era.
The most significant difference between the two was their approach to power. While Taejong excelled at selecting talented individuals, he kept them under strict control. In contrast, Sejong regarded his officials as partners in governance. On the third day of his reign, August 12, 1418, he told Chief State Councilor Ha Yeon, "I do not know people well, so let us discuss together."
Sejong rarely expressed anger, even in the face of dissenting opinions. The author notes that during his 32-year reign, he only displayed anger 21 times, allowing officials to voice their opinions freely. Stubborn officials maintained their positions in front of the king. Sejong appointed Jang Young-sil, a former slave, to oversee the creation of the water clock, and he valued the abilities of Hwang Hee, despite allegations of bribery and judicial interference. While Taejong enjoyed discussions, the final decision always rested with the king.
Sejong's leadership fostered advancements in science and technology. He not only embraced new knowledge but also encouraged experimentation and verification tailored to Joseon's realities. New rice varieties were cultivated in the palace garden, and artillery underwent hundreds of test firings before being adopted. Research indicates that from 1418 to 1450, Joseon achieved 21 scientific and technological advancements, significantly outpacing China's four during the same period.
Sejong's hands-on approach was also noteworthy. When droughts worsened, he personally visited rural areas to listen to farmers' concerns. The compilation of agricultural experiences from various regions resulted in the publication of Nongsajikseol, reflecting his emphasis on practical knowledge. However, Sejong did not achieve the same success as his father in securing a successor. His dedication to governance left him with little time for his children, and even during rare moments with them, he often prioritized admonishment.
Nevertheless, the great thoughts of Sejong have yielded lasting results that continue to resonate today. The Hunminjeongeum, created for the people, evolved into Hangul, while advancements in the water clock, astronomy, calendar systems, and agricultural technology elevated Joseon's scientific standards.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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