Choe Hang
Overview
Choe Hang (최항, 崔恒, 1409–1474) was a civil official and scholar of the early Joseon period. His clan seat was Saknyeong (삭녕, 朔寧), his courtesy name was Jeongbu (정부, 貞父), and his pen names were Taeheojeong (태허정, 太虛亭) or Dongnyang (동량, 東良). As a scholar of the Jiphyeonjeon (Hall of Worthies) during King Sejong's reign, he participated in the creation of Hunminjeongeum. He later served in official positions across six reigns—from King Munjong, King Danjong, King Sejo, King Yejong, to King Seongjong—rising to the position of Yeonguijeong (Chief State Councillor). He is evaluated as an official who realized Confucian ideals through his incorruptible and upright character, and he made significant contributions to the compilation of Gyeongguk Daejeon (경국대전, 經國大典) and the supervision of Dongguk Tonggam (동국통감, 東國通鑑), thereby organizing early Joseon legal codes and history.
Main Content
Early Life and Activities in the Jiphyeonjeon
Choe Hang was born in 1409 (the 9th year of King Taejong). In 1434 (the 16th year of King Sejong), he passed the literary licentiate examination (siknyeon mungwa) and was appointed as a secondary editor (busuchan) in the Jiphyeonjeon. Subsequently, he served as editor (suchan), lecturer (gyori), and assistant examiner (eunggyo) in the Jiphyeonjeon, gaining King Sejong's trust. Notably, in 1443 (the 25th year of King Sejong), during the creation of Hunminjeongeum, he participated in the work as a Jiphyeonjeon scholar alongside Jeong Inji (정인지), Seong Sammun (성삼문), Shin Suk-ju (신숙주), Park Paeng-nyeon (박팽년), and Yi Gae (이개). After the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum in 1446, he co-authored the preface of the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon (훈민정음 해례본) with Jeong Inji. This is an important document that systematically explains the principles of creating Hunminjeongeum and its usage.
Official Career and Major Achievements
After King Sejong's death and King Munjong's accession, Choe Hang was promoted to Second Royal Secretary (dongbuseungji) of the Royal Secretariat (Seungjeongwon). During King Danjong's reign, he served as Second Minister of Personnel (ijochampan). In 1453 (the 1st year of King Danjong), during the Gyeyu Coup (계유정난), he supported Grand Prince Suyang (later King Sejo) and was recorded as a second-class contributor to the pacification (jeongnan gongsin). Subsequently, under King Sejo, he served as Right State Councillor (uijeong) and Left State Councillor (jwauijeong), and in 1466 (the 12th year of King Sejo), he rose to Chief State Councillor (yeonguijeong). By King Sejo's order, he participated in the compilation of Gyeongguk Daejeon, completing the basic legal code system of Joseon. He also led national compilation projects such as supervising Dongguk Tonggam and compiling the Annals of King Sejo (세조실록). Additionally, he had deep expertise in the I Ching (주역, 周易) and compiled the Juyeok Gugyeol (주역구결, 周易口訣).
Character and Evaluation
Choe Hang was famous for his incorruptible and upright character. He flatly refused all private requests and did not flatter those in power. King Sejo offered him land and slaves on several occasions, but he declined them. Even while in office, he maintained a frugal lifestyle. The Annals of King Seongjong (성종실록) records: "Choe Hang was incorruptible and prudent, faithful to public duties, and never once did anything wrong." However, his support for Grand Prince Suyang during the Gyeyu Coup has been a point of controversy in contrast to the Six Martyred Ministers (sayuksin). Nevertheless, he did not participate in the later movement to restore King Danjong and instead sought stability in the court, leading some to evaluate him as a pragmatic official.
Writings and Scholarship
Choe Hang's writings include the literary collection Taeheojeongjip (태허정집, 太虛亭集). He participated in supervising Dongguk Tonggam, compiling Gyeongguk Daejeon, and compiling the Annals of King Sejo. He also compiled the Juyeok Gugyeol, contributing to the study of the I Ching. His poetry primarily consists of Confucian moral lessons and praise of nature. In particular, the poems included in Taeheojeongjip exemplify early Joseon literati literature.
Recent Trends
As of 2024–2025, academic research on Choe Hang is reexamining his role in the creation of Hunminjeongeum and reevaluating his political actions after the Gyeyu Coup. With the advancement of digital humanities, the original text of Taeheojeongjip has been made available online, improving research accessibility. Academic conferences related to Choe Hang have been held by organizations such as the King Sejong Memorial Society (세종대왕기념사업회) and the Academy of Korean Studies (한국학중앙연구원). Recently, educational materials emphasizing Choe Hang's incorruptibility have been developed and used in elementary and secondary education. In his hometown of Saknyeong (present-day Yeoncheon County area), a cultural festival honoring Choe Hang is held annually. In 2025, a special exhibition is planned to commemorate the 616th anniversary of his birth.
Related Topics
- [[Hunminjeongeum]]
- [[Jiphyeonjeon]]
- [[King Sejong the Great]]
- [[Gyeongguk Daejeon]]
- [[Civil officials of Joseon]]
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