King Sejong the Great (1394-1450)

Chosun dynasty (Joseon Dynasty), 1392-1910

Choseon (Joseon) derives its name from the first kingdom of Korea. Choseon adopted Confucianism as its guiding principle, and this philosophy exerted much influence during the Choseon Dynasty. King Sejong the Great (1394-1450), the country's finest king, is most respected person in Korean history. He invented Hunminjeongeum(Choseongeul or Hangeul), the Korean alphabet, in 1446. He also invented a rain gauge, striking water clocks, and a sundial.