Yngjo (1694-1776) was a Korean king who ruled from 1724 to 1776. His reign was the longest and one of the most brilliant of the Yi dynasty.

The formal name of Yngjo was Yi Kum; in the years before acceding to the throne he was known as Prince Yning. His first posthumous name was Yngjong, but this was changed to Yngjo in 1889. Born on Oct. 31, 1694, he was the fourth son of King Sukchong (reigned 1674-1720) and the younger half brother of King Kyngjong (1720-1724). From his childhood, it was evident that Yngjo was the most intelligent and capable of Sukchong's sons. Kyngjong's four-year reign was torn by constant political crises. Because he was childless, Yngjo was made his heir in 1720; later he became in addition prince regent, sharing authority with the dowager queen. He became king on Oct. 16, 1724, five days after Kyngjong's suspiciously sudden death.

His Achievement

Yngjo's greatest achievement...