PrinceJoseonSoldierFounding Merit Subject

Grand Prince Hoean

Grand Prince Hoean, fourth son of Taejo of Joseon, was a royal prince involved in early Joseon power struggles, notably challenging his brother Yi Bang-won, resulting in his exile and later rehabilitation.

1. Overview

Grand Prince Hoean (회안대군Hoean Dae-gunKorean; 2 July 1364 - 10 April 1421), born Yi Bang-gan (이방간Yi Bang-ganKorean), was the fourth son of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. A prominent royal prince in the early Joseon period, he was deeply involved in the intense political power struggles among King Taejo's sons, particularly the succession disputes known as the Prince Rebellions. Despite initially contributing to the establishment of Joseon and receiving significant honors, his strong ambition for royal power led him to challenge his younger brother, Yi Bang-won, in the Second Prince Rebellion of 1400. His defeat in this conflict resulted in his capture, prolonged exile, and the execution of his supporters. Though he spent his later years in banishment, subsequent kings showed some leniency, and his descendants later sought his posthumous rehabilitation and restoration of his royal status.

2. Early Life and Background

Yi Bang-gan was born on 2 July 1364, in Gwijudong, Hamheung-bu, Hamgyong Province, during the late Goryeo Dynasty. He was the fourth son of Yi Seong-gye, who would later become King Taejo of Joseon, and his first wife, Queen Sinui of the Cheongju Han clan. His mother was the daughter of Han Gyeong, Internal Prince Ancheon, and Grand Lady of Samhan State of the Saknyeong Shin clan. Growing up in a prominent military family, Yi Bang-gan's early life was shaped by the tumultuous political landscape of Goryeo, which was on the brink of collapse.

3. Career and Political Activities

Grand Prince Hoean's official career began in the late Goryeo period, where he served as a So-yun (軍器寺少尹). His involvement in the political and military affairs of the time positioned him for a significant role in the nascent Joseon Dynasty.

3.1. Early Joseon and Enfeoffment

Following the establishment of Joseon by his father, Yi Seong-gye, in 1392 (the 4th year of King Gongyang's reign), Yi Bang-gan was recognized for his contributions. In July 1392, he was designated a first-class Gae-guk Ikchan Gongsin (開國翊贊功臣), a meritorious subject in the founding of the new dynasty, and was granted the high office of Hyeollokdaebu. He was initially enfeoffed as Prince Mahangong (馬韓公). On 25 August 1392, in the first year of King Taejo's reign, he was further elevated and enfeoffed as Prince Hoean (회안군Hoean-gunKorean). In 1398, his title was changed to Hoean-gong (懷安公), and he served as the Left Army Commander (左軍節制使) of the Uihung Samgunbu. Later, in 1401, during his exile after the Second Prince Rebellion, his title was officially revised to Grand Prince Hoean (회안대군Hoean Dae-gunKorean).

3.2. The Prince Rebellions

Grand Prince Hoean's political ambitions and his position as one of King Taejo's elder sons inevitably drew him into the fierce power struggles for the throne that characterized the early Joseon Dynasty. These conflicts, known as the Prince Rebellions, saw brothers vying for ultimate authority.

3.2.1. First Prince Rebellion (1398)

In August 1398 (the 7th year of King Taejo's reign), Yi Bang-gan participated in the coup d'état initiated by his younger brother, Jeongan-gun (Yi Bang-won). This rebellion targeted and eliminated Jeong Do-jeon and his faction, who were perceived as a threat to the royal family's power. For his involvement in this successful political maneuver, Yi Bang-gan was honored as a first-class Jeongsa Gongsin (定社功臣). In 1399 (the 1st year of King Jeongjong's reign), he was given command over the military forces of Pung-hae-do and Seobuk-myeon.

3.2.2. Second Prince Rebellion (1400)

Despite their earlier alliance, a deep rivalry developed between Grand Prince Hoean and Yi Bang-won due to their mutual ambition for the throne. With King Jeongjong, who had no direct heir, planning to pass the throne to Yi Bang-won, Grand Prince Hoean's jealousy and desire for power intensified. In 1400 (the 2nd year of King Jeongjong's reign), he launched a coup d'état against Yi Bang-won, known as the Second Prince Rebellion (제2차 왕자의 난Je-i-cha Wangja-ui NanKorean or 庚辰靖社Gyeongjin JeongsaChinese). Both princes had secretly amassed personal armies. Grand Prince Hoean marched his forces towards Kaesong, leading to a direct military confrontation with Yi Bang-won. However, Yi Bang-won's forces proved superior, and Grand Prince Hoean was decisively defeated. He retreated to Seodong in Hanyang but was ultimately captured along with his eldest son, Yi Maeng-jung, Prince Uiryeong. His supporters were subsequently executed. This defeat marked the end of his direct challenge for the throne and led to his permanent removal from central political power.

4. Exile and Later Years

Following his defeat in the Second Prince Rebellion, Grand Prince Hoean's life became a series of exiles. He was initially banished to Tosanhyeon (兎山縣) in Hwanghae Province, the very place where he had previously commanded troops. Despite Yi Bang-won's initial inclination to release him, other ministers persistently advocated for his punishment. He was then relocated to Ansan-gun in Gyeonggi Province. While in Ansan, he was granted land and a stipend, and was even permitted to visit Hanyang on the first day of each month. However, the Uijeongbu and other government offices continuously criticized this lenient treatment, arguing it was inappropriate for someone who had challenged the throne.

King Jeongjong, against the objections of the Munhabu, moved his place of banishment to Ikju (益州) in September 1400. Even after Yi Bang-won ascended to the throne as King Taejong, calls for Grand Prince Hoean's execution continued, but Taejong consistently showed him leniency. When Grand Prince Hoean fell ill, Taejong personally sent royal physicians to treat him. In June 1401, Taejong attempted to recall him to Hanyang, but this was met with strong opposition from the court. Grand Prince Hoean then requested to reside in Jeonju, his clan's ancestral home, which was granted. He lived in Dongyongjin-myeon, Jeonju-bu, for the next 20 years.

In 1411, after the death of his first wife, Lady Min, he was reported to have married the daughter of Park In-gan, a military commander from Chuncheon-bu. However, this was later clarified to be his taking a concubine, a daughter of Park Do-gan, Park In-gan's elder brother. In 1416 (the 16th year of King Taejong's reign), Taejong revoked Grand Prince Hoean's titles, meritorious subject certificates, and official appointments, as well as those of his son, Prince Uiryeong. He vowed never to cross the Han River again. In 1418, after Taejong abdicated in favor of King Sejong, Taejong encouraged Grand Prince Hoean to return to Hanyang, but he refused. There were later reports of him conspiring with figures like Shim Jong, though these plans failed.

Grand Prince Hoean died of illness in Hongju (洪州) on 10 April 1421 (the 3rd year of King Sejong's reign). He was on his way to Hanyang, having been advised by Taejong to seek treatment, when he passed away in Eunsin, Hongju-gun. Taejong ordered a state funeral for him, and his body was transported to Beopsasan in Geumsang-dong, Dongyongjin-myeon, Jeonju-bu (modern-day Deokjin-gu, Jeonju), where he was interred. Despite the state funeral, his name was not immediately restored to the royal genealogy (Seonwonborak).

5. Posthumous Status and Rehabilitation

Following Grand Prince Hoean's death, his descendants made repeated efforts to seek his rehabilitation and the restoration of his royal status. In 1513 (the 8th year of King Jungjong's reign), the governor of Jeolla Province submitted a request for his descendants' rehabilitation to King Jungjong, but it was dismissed.

Significant progress occurred in 1605 (the 38th year of King Seonjo's reign) when Grand Prince Hoean's descendants petitioned King Seonjo to include his name in the Seonwonrok, the official royal genealogy. King Seonjo, acknowledging him as a descendant of King Taejo, approved the request, and his name was formally recorded in the Seonwonrok starting in 1607. Furthermore, following a petition from his fourth-generation descendant, Yi Yu, King Seonjo ordered the construction of the Sungdeoksa shrine (崇德祠) in Seosan (Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 352) dedicated to Grand Prince Hoean.

Despite these advancements, his descendants continued to be subject to military conscription. In 1640 (the 18th year of King Injo's reign), they successfully petitioned to be exempted from military service. In 1863 (the 14th year of King Cheoljong's reign), upon a petition by Minister Shin Seok-u, Grand Prince Hoean was posthumously granted the honorific title of Yanghui-gong (良僖公). In 1869 (the 6th year of King Gojong's reign), he was granted the status of Bulcheonjiwi (불천지위), meaning his ancestral tablet could be enshrined permanently without being moved. In 1872 (the 9th year of King Gojong's reign), he was further posthumously promoted to Yeongjongjeonggyeongbusa (영종정경부사). In modern-day South Korea, his tomb in Geumsang-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, is designated as Jeollabuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 123.

6. Family

Grand Prince Hoean was a central figure in the early Joseon royal family, with extensive familial connections.

6.1. Parents and Siblings

  • Father: Taejo of Joseon (조선 태조; 4 November 1335 - 27 June 1408)
    • Paternal Grandfather: King Hwanjo of Joseon (조선 환조; 1315 - 1 January 1361)
    • Paternal Grandmother: Queen Uihye of the Yeongheung Choe clan (의혜왕후 최씨)
  • Mother: Queen Sinui of the Cheongju Han clan (신의왕후 한씨; September 1337 - 21 October 1391)
    • Maternal Grandfather: Han Gyeong, Internal Prince Ancheon (한경 안천부원군)
    • Maternal Grandmother: Grand Lady of Samhan State of the Saknyeong Shin clan (삼한국대부인 삭녕 신씨)
  • Siblings:
    • Elder Brother: Jinan Dae-gun Yi Bang-u (진안대군 이방우)
    • Elder Brother: Yeongan Dae-gun Yi Bang-gwa (영안대군 이방과), who later became King Jeongjong of Joseon.
    • Elder Brother: Ikan Dae-gun Yi Bang-ui (익안대군 이방의)
    • Younger Brother: Jeongan Dae-gun Yi Bang-won (정안대군 이방원), who later became King Taejong of Joseon.
    • Younger Brother: Deokan Dae-gun Yi Bang-yeon (덕안대군 이방연)
    • Younger Sister: Gyeongsin Gongju (경신공주)
    • Younger Sister: Gyeongseon Gongju (경선공ju)

6.2. Consorts and Children

Grand Prince Hoean had several consorts and concubines, through whom he had multiple children.

  • Internal Princess Consort Min of the Yeoheung Min clan (삼한국대부인 여흥 민씨; ?-1407), daughter of Min Seon, who was posthumously granted the title of Munha Chanseongsa. Her tomb was said to be in Yeoju but its location is now lost.
    • Yi Maeng-jung, Prince Uiryeong (의령군 이맹중; 15 February 1385 - 11 July 1423), his first son.
      • First Daughter-in-law: Daughter of Wang Gyun, Jeongwon Buwongun of the Kaesong Wang clan.
      • Second Daughter-in-law: Daughter of Ju-bu Han Gi of the Cheongju Han clan.
        • Grandson: Yeongpyeongjeong Yi On.
        • Granddaughter-in-law: Dongnae Jeong clan.
        • Internal Princess Consort Hwang of the Miryang Hwang clan (삼한국대부인 밀양 황씨), daughter of Hwang Hyeong, a Panseo. Her tomb is in Sahyeon-ri, Seosan-gun.
          • Yi Tae, Prince Changnyeong (창녕군 이태; 1389 - 15 October 1451), his second son.
            • Daughter-in-law: Lady Miryang, daughter of Pan-gwan Park Mu-hyeon.
              • Grandson: Deoklimjeong Yi Baek.
              • Granddaughter-in-law: Jangseong No clan.
              • Grandson: Hosanjeong Yi Hoe.
              • Granddaughter-in-law: Jangseong No clan.
          • Princess Seonghye (성혜옹주; ?-1431), his first daughter, married Jo Shin-eon (趙愼言) of Pyeongyang, a Sanghogun.
            • Grandson: Jo Muk.
          • Princess Shinhye (신혜옹주), his second daughter, married Yi Dae-saeng (李大생) of Anseong, a Gunsu.
          • Princess Yanghye (양혜옹주), his third daughter, married Park Gyeong-mu, a Busa.
          • Princess Consort Geumreung of the Gimpo Geum clan (금릉부부인 김포 금씨; 19 July 1388 - 18 April 1458), daughter of Geum In-bae, a Jeongrang. Her tomb is in Jeonju-bu, forming a twin burial with Grand Prince Hoean.
            • Yi Seon, Prince Geumseong (금성군 이선; 1409-?), his third son.
              • Daughter-in-law: Jangheung Jo clan.
                • Grandson: Jangsan-jeong Yi Hyeong.
                • Granddaughter-in-law: Munhwa Yu clan.
                • Grandson: Pyeongsan-jeong Yi Mal.
                • Granddaughter-in-law: Jangsu Hwang clan.
            • Yi Jong-gun, Prince Geumsan (금산군 이중군; 9 February 1413 - 18 September 1478), his fourth son.
              • Daughter-in-law: Daughter of Jo Yeon, a Yeojo Jeongrang of the Jangheung Jo clan.
                • Grandson: Jeonganjeong Yi Bun.
                • Granddaughter-in-law: Dongnae Jeong clan.
                • Grandson: Jeongpyeong-gun Yi Jong-dong.
                • Granddaughter-in-law: Namyang Hong clan.
                • Granddaughter-in-law: Gimhae Kim clan.
                • Granddaughter: Jeonju Yi clan.
                • Grandson-in-law: Jin-sa Shin Seok-jeong.
                • Concubine Park of the Chuncheon Park clan (춘천 박씨), daughter of Park Do-gan, a Chungju Moksa.
                • Concubine Baekjong (백종).