Ku Samaeng


Ku Samaeng was a 16th century Korean nobleman, military officer and minister. He was the father of Queen Inheon and the maternal grandfather of Injo of Joseon.

Biography

In 1549, Ku Samaeng was appointed as Jinsa. In 1558, at 27 years old he passed the national examination as a military officer and worked in Seungmunwon as an inspector.
In 1560, he become a general and three years later, he went to the Ming Dynasty as the secretary of Saeun Temple. He spent the following years as Ijojwarang and Ijojŏngnang.
In 1567 after King Myeongjong's death, Ku become Pinjŏndogamjejo. Two years later, in 1569, he was appointed as the Governor of Hwanghae Province.
In 1587, one of his youngest daughters married Grand Prince Jeongwon, the son of King Seonjo, and became the mother to three sons; one of them becoming the future king.
From then on, he started to serve in numerous government posts in the central and local areas during the reign of Seonjo of Joseon. Meanwhile, during the Imjin War, in 1597, Ku served some of the Royal Princes. At this time, he was a Right Chamchan.
Ku Samaeng died on April 1, 1604, at the age of 74 years old due to the relapse of his chronic disease, which had plagued him since he was working in the Uigeumbu.
After his grandson ascended the throne as King Injo, along with posthumously honouring his parents as King and Queen, he also honoured his maternal grandfather as Internal Prince Neungan.
It was said that in Ku's eulogy, it was written that he was a simple and quiet man by nature, and also liked frugality. So he didn't own land or a house, but only enjoyed his coat of arms.
His tomb is located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, along with his two wives, Lady Han and Lady Shin.

Books

There are two books written by Ku Samaeng:
  • Yuhuichun
  • Yihwang

    Family

  • Father – Ku Sun
  • Mother – Lady Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan
Sibling
  • Older brother – Ku Saan
  • Older sister – Lady Ku
  • Older sister – Lady Ku
  • Older brother – Ku Sajŭng
  • Older sister – Lady Ku
  • Younger sister – Lady Ku
  • Younger brother – Ku Sajung
  • Younger brother – Ku Samin
Wives and their issue: