Wonjong

Wŏnjong (5 April 1219 – 23 July 1274), personal name Wang Jŏn, was the 24th ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea, reigning from 1260 to 1274. His rule was briefly interrupted by that of King Yeongjong in 1269, although the legitimacy of the latter is disputed by scholars.

Biography

His father, Gojong of Goryeo, sent Wonjong when he was the Crown Prince, to meet with Kublai Khan to negotiate with the Mongols after decades of warfare during the Mongol invasions of Korea. During this time, Kublai was in the middle of a power struggle with Ariq Böke whom was residing in Karakorum while Kublai himself was participating in the Chinese Campaign. Having the Goryeo crown prince come before him to concede after decades of fighting, Kublai Khan was jubilant and said "Goryeo is a country that long ago even Tang Taizong personally campaigned against but was unable to defeat. But now, its crown prince has come before me, and this be the will of heaven as it is!"

Reign He ascended the throne with the help of Kublai Khan. During his reign, Goryeo became a vassal of the Mongol-founded Yuan dynasty in China.

In 1269, the military leader Im Yon engineered a coup d'état to remove Wonjong. Kublai Khan dispatched 3,000 troops to oust the forces of the rebel. Wonjong visited the imperial court in 1271 after his re-accession.

Wonjong was the eldest son of the previous king, Gojong.

Family Father: Gojong of Goryeo Grandfather: Gangjong of Goryeo Grandmother: Queen Wondeok of the Kaeseong Wang clan Mother: Queen Anhye of the Yu clan Grandfather: Huijong of Goryeo Grandmother: Queen Seongpyeong of the Jangheung Im clan Consorts and their Respective issue(s): Queen Jeongsun of the Gyeongju Kim clan Crown Prince Wang Geo, 1st son 1st daughter Princess Gyeongchang of the Yu clan, seventh cousin once removed. Wang Yi, Marquess Siyang, 2nd son Wang Jong, Marquess Sunan, 3rd son Princess Gyeongan, 2nd daughter Princess Hamnyeong, 3rd daughter Unknown, from a Palace maid Wang Ik-jang (왕익장), 4th son