The Invention Of King Sejong The Great Of Korea

Established in 1392 by Yi Sung Jae, the Yi dynasty, also known as the Joseon dynasty, flourished under the rule of King Sejong the Great of Korea (Spielvogel 464). Remembered as a sage king with a fascination for literature, technology, and science, King Sejong was as intelligent as he was benevolent. He had an incredible knack for problem solving and implemented progressive reforms such as reductions in crop taxation and promoting the fair treatment of the lower class in order to better the lives of his citizens (“King Sejong the Great of Korea”). As a scholar and a strong proponent of accessible education for all, King Sejong took huge steps in order to educate the masses. Although the achievements transpired in the past, the effects that
Due to the influence of China and the Confucian philosophy, imperial Korea used the Chinese character system, Han zi (“King Sejong”). This was the only form of standardized writing used in Korea but this system had a major flaw. To be considered literate with the Chinese character system, a person would have to be able to recognize and write at least 3,000 different characters. Since this educational burden was near impossible for commoners to overcome as few members of the lower class were able to obtain a decent education, widespread illiteracy ensued (Norman). Despite facing backlash from the upper class aristocrats and other scholars who feared the creation Hangul and the discontinuation of the use of Han zi would diminish their social status if literacy became universal, King Sejong continued for the sake of the lower class citizens. By inventing a form of written language that was far simpler with only 24 characters, King Sejong not only helped to educate the less privileged people but also instilled a sense of national pride and patriotism that allowed Korea to end their reliance on the Chinese Hanzi (“Hangul”). Even today, Hangul is still in use and is praised for being the most “scientifically superior linguistic system in the world”
Nongsa Jikseol, which roughly translates to “Straight Talk on Farming”, was a farming manual that was created during King Sejong’s efforts to propel Korea’s farming advancements forward. Besides being a firm advocate for farmer’s rights, King Sejong also gave them “foremost priority” since he believed that they created the foundation of every country through their contributions of food and clothing for the society. (“King Sejong”). By taxing farmer’s based on their annual crop harvest, recent weather conditions, and the quality of the local soil, King Sejong ended the tradition of unfairly overtaxing the farming class. Furthermore, King Sejong sent scientists around the nation to collect data on the local soil types and weather conditions in order to access the progress of Korea’s agricultural production. Through the addition process of interviewing farmers on the proper methods for fertilizer use, weeding, sowing and passing on the newly assembled information in the Nongsa Jikseol, the “state of Korean farming improved dramatically” (“King Sejong”). Nongsa Jikseol compiled the latest technology and techniques that would help farmers increase their crop yield while reducing the amount of labor needed. This manual included instructions on the construction and use of what was considered the pinnacle of innovation: the water clock, rain-gauge, and the Angbuilgu*, all instruments designed