Wonjong of Goryeo

Wonjong (5 April 1219 – 23 July 1274), personal name Wang Chŏng, was the 24th ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea, reigning from 1260 to 1274. His rule was briefly interrupted by that of King Yeongjong in 1269, although the legitimacy of the latter is disputed by scholars.

Biography

His father, Gojong of Goryeo, sent Wonjong when he was the Crown Prince, to meet with Kublai Khan to negotiate with the Mongols after decades of warfare during the Mongol invasions of Korea. During this time, Kublai was in the middle of a power struggle with Ariq Böke whom was residing in Karakorum while Kublai himself was participating in the Chinese Campaign. Having the Goryeo crown prince come before him to concede after decades of fighting, Kublai Khan was jubilant and said "Goryeo is a country that long ago even Tang Taizong personally campaigned against but was unable to defeat. But now, its crown prince has come before me, and this be the will of heaven as it is!"

Reign

He ascended the throne with the help of Kublai Khan. During his reign, Goryeo became a vassal of the Mongol-founded Yuan dynasty in China.

In 1269, the military leader Im Yon engineered a coup d'état to remove Wonjong. Kublai Khan dispatched 3,000 troops to oust the forces of the rebel. Wonjong visited the imperial court in 1271 after his re-accession.

Wonjong was the eldest son of the previous king, Gojong.

Family

• Father: Gojong of Goryeo (고려 고종)
  • Grandfather: Gangjong of Goryeo (고려 강종)
  • Grandmother: Queen Wondeok (원덕왕후)
• Mother: Queen Anhye (안혜왕후)
  • Grandfather: Huijong of Goryeo (고려 희종)
  • Grandmother: Queen Seongpyeong (성평왕후)
    • Sister: Princess Suheung (수흥궁주)
• Consorts and their Respective issue(s):

1. Queen Jeongsun of the Gyeongju Gim clan (정순왕후 김씨; 1222–1237)
   1. Crown Prince Wang Geo (태자 왕거)
   2. Unnamed Princess (공주)
2. Princess Gyeongchang of the Yu clan (경창궁주 유씨); seventh cousin once removed.
   1. Wang Yi, Marquess Siyang (왕이 시양후)
   2. Wang Jong, Marquess Sunan (왕종 순안후)
   3. Princess Gyeongan (경안궁주)
   4. Princess Hamnyeong (함녕궁주)
3. Unknown, from a Palace maid (궁인)
   1. Wang Ik-jang (왕익장)

See also

• List of Korean monarchs
• List of Goryeo people
• Goryeo
• Mongol invasions of Korea
• Korea under Yuan rule

References

• 원종 (in Korean). Doosan Encyclopedia.