Gangjong of Goryeo


Gangjong, personal name Wang O, was the 22nd ruler of the Korean Goryeo dynasty. He was the eldest son of King Myeongjong.
Gangjong was confirmed as heir in 1173. In 1197, he and his father were driven to Ganghwado by the military leader Ch'oe Ch'ung-hŏn. In 1210 Gangjong returned to the capital, and he was given a royal title by his uncle King Huijong in the following year. After Ch'oe drove Huijong from power that year, Gangjong was placed on the throne. Gangjong was essentially a puppet of General Ch'oe during his reign, and was succeeded by his son Gojong after ruling Goryeo for two years.
Gangjong's tomb is located outside the old Goryeo capital, in modern-day Hyŏnhwa-ri, Kaepung-gun, South Hwanghae Province, North Korea.

Family

  1. Queen Sapyeong of the Jeonju Yi clan
  2. #Princess Suryeong, 1st daughter
  3. Queen Wondeok of the Kaeseong Wang clan; half fourth cousin once removed.
  4. #Crown Prince Wang Cheol, 1st son
  5. Unknown
  6. #Princess Jeonghwa, 2nd daughter
  7. #9 sons, all were unknown.

In popular culture