Gyeongjong of Goryeo

Gyeongjong (9 November 955 – 13 August 981), personal name Wang Chu, was the fifth ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was the eldest son of King Gwangjong, and was confirmed as Crown Prince in the year of his birth. He was also the maternal and paternal grandson of King Taejo.

Upon rising to the throne, Gyeongjong established the Jeonsigwa (田柴科, land-allotment system) which established the economic basis for Goryeo's bureaucracy. Following his ascension, he issued pardons for those whom his predecessor had persecuted and even reinstated their titles. Later, according to the Goryeo-sa, he avoided politics and royalty, and spent his time cavorting with commoners as well as indulging in sex or playing baduk.

Family

• Father: Gwangjong of Goryeo (광종; 925–4 July 975)
• Grandfather: Taejo of Goryeo (태조; 31 January 877–4 July 943)
• Grandmother: Queen Sinmyeong of the Chungju Yu clan (신명왕후 유씨)
• Mother: Queen Daemok of the Hwangju Hwangbo clan (대목왕후 황보씨; 925–?)
• Grandfather: Taejo of Goryeo (태조; 31 January 877–4 July 943)
• Grandmother: Queen Sinjeong of the Hwangju Hwangbo clan (신정왕후 황보씨; ?—19 August 983)
• Consorts and their Respective Issue(s):

1. Queen Heonsuk of the Gyeongju Kim clan (헌숙왕후 김씨; 937–?); first cousin – No issue.
2. Queen Heonui of the Chungju Yu clan (헌의왕후 유씨); first cousin – No issue.
3. Queen Heonae of the Hwangju Hwangbo clan (헌애왕후 황보씨; 964–20 January 1029); half first cousin.
4. Wang Song, Prince Gaeryeong (목종; 5 July 980–2 March 1009), 1st son
5. Queen Heonjeong of the Hwangju Hwangbo clan (헌정왕후 황보씨; 966–993); half first cousin – No issue.
6. Lady Daemyeong of the Chungju Yu clan (대명궁부인 유씨); half first cousin – No issue.

In popular culture

• Portrayed by Kim Min-woo in the 2002–2003 KBS TV series The Dawn of the Empire.
• Portrayed by Choi Cheol-ho in the 2009 KBS2 TV series Empress Cheonchu.

See also

• List of Goryeo people
• List of Korean rulers

References