Pyongyang Cho clan


The Pyongyang Cho clan is a Korean clan, with the bon-gwan based in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Background

The progenitor of the clan is considered to be Cho Ch'un, who lived during the reigns of King Yejong and Injong of Goryeo.
The clan rose to prominence due to Cho In-gyu, who rose from an interpreter to chancellor of Goryeo. His daughter, Royal Consort Cho, was married to Crown Prince Wang Wŏn. When King Chungseon began his second reign as king in 1308, the Pyongyang Cho clan was listed as one of the fifteen great ministerial families that were eligible for marriage with the royal House of Wang. The Pyongyang Cho clan would continue to hold influence in the late Goryeo and early Joseon eras. Cho In-gyu's grandson, Cho Il-sin, became a merit subject of King Gongmin. In 1352, he tried to eliminate the rival Ki clan but failed and was killed. Three members of the clan would become dynasty founding merit subjects during the establishment of the new Joseon dynasty:, Cho Pak, and. Cho Chun, in particular, would initiate land reform with the Rank Land Law and rise to the top post of Chief State Councilor.
The 2015 South Korean census recorded 50,480 individuals who were members of the Pyongyang Cho clan.

Members