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King Gongmin

Type Figure Region Korean Peninsula Time 1330–1374 Also known as Wang Jeon、Gongmin Jeon of Goryeo

King Gongmin (1330–1374), personal name Jeon, was the 31st king of the Goryeo dynasty, temple name Gongmin.…

Timeline

  1. 1330–1351Kaesong · KaesongKing Gongmin (personal name Jeon) was the son of King Chungseong, born in Kaesong. In the 1330s Goryeo was still under Yuan suzerainty. After King Chungseong died in 1339, Kings Chunghye, Chungmok, and Chungjeong reigned in succession; in 1351 the Yuan deposed King Chungjeong and Wang Jeon ascended the throne.
  2. 1351–1365Kaesong · KaesongAfter accession, King Gongmin eliminated Yuan remnants such as the Ssangseong Generalariat, restored the imperial examinations, reorganized the jeonchaegye land system, and carried out military reforms centered on generals like Yi Seong-gye. In 1359 he sent envoys to the Ming, establishing diplomatic relations with Ming and gradually throwing off Yuan control.
  3. 1366–1374Kaesong · KaesongIn his later years King Gongmin indulged in Buddhism and inner-court affairs, and court governance gradually fell into the hands of close attendants. In October 1374, court attendants Hong Yun and Choi Man-saeng entered the palace and killed the king. After Gongmin's death, Goryeo's throne changed hands frequently and the political situation was turbulent.

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