King Sejo (1417–1468, r. 1455–1468), who is also known as Prince Suyang, was the seventh king of the Joseon Dynasty. He usurped the throne from his young nephew King Danjong (1441–1457, r. 1452–1455). During this upheaval, King Sejo killed his own brothers and many officials, which inevitably brought much criticism on his immoral behavior of seizing power and ascending to the throne without just cause. However, his governance also has been recognized for strengthening the royal authority and national defense and establishing the unified legal code that served as the fundamental principles of Joseon administration.

This exhibition features objects and archives related to the life of King Sejo and his political and cultural achievements. Notably, Sketch for the Portrait of King Sejo, acquired by the National Palace Museum of Korea in 2016, is making its public debut. The exhibition also highlights the Gwangneung Royal Tomb, in which King Sejo and Queen Consort Jeonghui were interred, and the portrait hall that housed his portraiture. As his temple name “Sejo” (a founder of a dynasty or a new line within) signifies, the posthumous veneration of King Sejo seen in his tomb and portrait hall demonstrates his legacy as the king who rebuilt the state. The exhibition aims to offer an opportunity to re-discover King Sejo who was largely known as an ambitious and cold-hearted ruler.


Prince Suyang: The Second Son of King Sejong

SEJO THE USURPER, AND THE ATTEMPT TO REINSTATE KING DANJONG 








History of the Portrait of Sejo and Its Sketch




Sejo Worshipped as a King Who Rebuilt the State

Gwangneung: The Royal Tomb of Sejo