King Jeongjo

Jeongjo (1752-1800) was the 22nd king of Joseon, who succeeded King Yeongjo and ascended the throne in 1776. He established the Kyujanggak royal library and cultivated young talent through the Chogye Munsin program, while continuing the Tangpyeong policy to ease factional strife and encouraging Silhak (practical learning). He is also remembered as a reform-minded ruler who built Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and enacted the Sinhae Tonggong measure to expand commercial freedom.