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Yi Seong-gye (Taejo)

Type Figure Region Joseon Time 1335–1408 Also known as Li Dan、Taejo

Yi Seong-gye (1335–1408), founder of the Joseon dynasty with the temple name Taejo, a former Goryeo general whose power grew after the 1388 Wihwado v…

Timeline

  1. 1360–1387Hamhung · South Hamgyeong ProvinceYi Seong-gye came from a northeastern local strongman family and, through military merit, rose to Dongwonsu of the Northeastern Circuit, becoming one of the most powerful generals of late Goryeo.
  2. 1388–1391Wihwado · Gyeonggi ProvinceIn 1388 Yi Seong-gye defeated a Ming expeditionary force at Wihwado, greatly boosting his prestige and military power; he then marched back to Gaegyeong to seize control of the government, laying the groundwork for dynastic change.
  3. 1392–1398Hanseong · Joseon dynastyIn 1392 Yi Seong-gye accepted the support of his ministers, deposed the last Goryeo king Gongyang, changed the state name to Joseon, moved the capital to Hanseong, proclaimed himself Taejo, and opened a new era for the Joseon dynasty.
  4. 1398–1408Kaesong · North Hwanghae ProvinceIn 1398 Yi Seong-gye passed the throne to his second son Yi Bang-won and retired as retired king, still participating in court decisions until his death in 1408; he was buried at Geonwolleung.

Sources