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Uijong

1127 – 1173

The king of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea

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About Uijong

Lived 1127 – 1173 (aged 46). Uijong was a Korean.

Uijong (23 May 1127 – 7 November 1173), personal name Wang Hyŏn, was the 18th king of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea.

He honoured his civilian advisors with many ceremonies, but discriminated against the military officials, often forcing them to participate in martial arts competitions to entertain himself and the civil officials, as well as assigning them petty portions during land distributions. He also was often drunk, further angering the warrior class.

In the autumn of 1170, constant discriminations caused the rage of the military officials to finally burst. Three warriors (Chŏng Chung-bu, Yi Ŭi-bang, Yi Ko) and others mounted a coup d'etat, murdering civil officials, deposing Uijong, and appointing his young brother as the new king in the place. After he was dethroned, officials loyal to Uijong such as Kim Po-dang later attempted to restore him, but the attempt was exposed and Uijong was subsequently thrown into a pond and drowned by the Goryeo military regime, while many civil officials were again purged.

Family Father: Injong of Goryeo Grandfather: Yejong of Goryeo Grandmother: Queen Sundeok of the Gyeongwon Yi clan Mother: Queen Gongye of the Jangheung Im clan Grandfather: Im Won-hu Grandmother: Grand Lady, of Jinhan State of the Bupyeong Yi clan Consorts and their Respective issue(s): Queen Janggyeong of the Gangneung Kim clan, half second cousin once removed. Princess Gyeongdeok, 1st daughter Princess Anjeong, 2nd daughter Wang Ki, Crown Prince Hyoryeong, 1st son Princess Hwasun, 3rd daughter Queen Jangseon of the Jiksan Choe clan – No issue. Concubine Mubi 3 daughters and 9 sons, all were unknown.

Popular culture Portrayed by Kim Kyu-chul in the 2003–2004 KBS TV series Age of Warriors.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
Uijong of Goryeo, Wang Hyeon

Family & relationships

Spouse
Queen Janggyeong of the Kim clan
Spouse
Queen Jangseon
Child
Crown Prince Hyoryeong
Parent
Injong of Goryeo
Parent
Queen Gongye

People in Uijong's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Uijong's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Uijong?

the king of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea (1127 – 1173)

When was Uijong born?

Uijong was born on 23 May 1127 in Korea.

When did Uijong die?

Uijong died on 7 November 1173.

What nationality was Uijong?

Uijong was Korean.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Uijong

· Wikidata: Q493893

· DBpedia: Uijong of Goryeo

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Uijong. https://biography.guide/uijong/

MLA: "Uijong." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/uijong/.

Chicago: "Uijong." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/uijong/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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