Princess Changrak

2.1. Early Life and Background

Princess Changrak was the third daughter of King Injong, the 17th monarch of Goryeo, and Queen Gongye. While her exact birth year remains unrecorded, historical inferences place it before 1141, as her younger sister, Princess Yeonghwa, was born in that year. Her family belonged to the Gaejong Wang clan, the royal clan of Goryeo. She was a full sibling to several future kings, including King Uijong, King Myeongjong, and King Sinjong. She was also an aunt to King Huijong and King Gangjong.

2.2. Enfeoffment and Marriage

In 1151, during the 5th year of King Uijong's reign, Princess Changrak was formally granted the title of "Princess" (궁주_gungju^Korean), receiving the designation of Princess Changrak. This enfeoffment occurred concurrently with that of her younger sister, Princess Yeonghwa. Subsequently, she married Wang Seong, Marquess Sinan (신안후 왕성_{Sinanhu Wang Seong}^Korean). Wang Seong was a descendant of King Hyeonjong through his son, Pyeongyanggong Wang Gi, making him Princess Changrak's paternal 10th cousin. More immediately, Wang Seong's mother was Princess Seungdeok, who was King Injong's (Princess Changrak's father) sister, making Princess Seungdeok Princess Changrak's paternal aunt. Therefore, Princess Changrak and Wang Seong were also first cousins once removed, a form of consanguineous marriage common within the Goryeo royal family to maintain power and lineage purity.

3.1. Death and Royal Mourning

Princess Changrak died on the 27th day of the 1st month of 1216, during the 3rd year of King Gojong's reign. Upon her death, King Gojong initiated a period of solemn mourning. He himself wore plain mourning clothes (소복_so-bok^Korean) and significantly reduced the number of side dishes served at the palace, a traditional sign of grief and austerity. Furthermore, King Gojong ordered all court officials to wear plain mourning clothes for an entire day as a tribute to the deceased princess.

3.2. Posthumous Assessment and Status

The extensive mourning measures taken by King Gojong and his court underscored Princess Changrak's esteemed position within the royal family. These honors were primarily bestowed because Princess Changrak was King Gojong's maternal grandmother, highlighting the deep respect and familial bond that existed. Her husband, Wang Seong, Marquess Sinan, had preceded her in death, passing away on the 20th day of the 8th month in 1178, during the 8th year of King Myeongjong's reign. King Myeongjong also showed his respect by suspending court sessions for three days following Wang Seong's death.

4.1. Parents and Siblings

Princess Changrak's parents were King Injong (1109-1146, reigned 1122-1146) and his third wife, Queen Gongye (1109-1183).
Her prominent siblings included:

• King Uijong (1127-1173, reigned 1146-1170), her elder brother and the 18th monarch of Goryeo.
• Daeryeonghu Wang Gyeong (born 1130), her elder brother.
• King Myeongjong (1131-1202, reigned 1170-1197), her elder brother and the 19th monarch of Goryeo. Through him, she was an aunt to King Gangjong.
• Won'gyeongguksa Wang Chungheui (died 1183), her elder brother.
• King Sinjong (1144-1204, reigned 1197-1204), her younger brother and the 20th monarch of Goryeo. Through him, she was an aunt to King Huijong.
• Princess Seunggyeong, her elder sister.
• Princess Deoknyeong (died 1192), her elder sister.
• Princess Yeonghwa (1141-1208), her younger sister.

4.2. Husband and Children

Princess Changrak was married to Wang Seong, Marquess Sinan (신안후 왕성_{Sinanhu Wang Seong}^Korean). Wang Seong was a significant figure in the royal family, being the great-great-grandson of King Hyeonjong's son, Pyeongyanggong Wang Gi. His father was Hannambaek Wang Gi, and his mother was Princess Seungdeok, a daughter of King Yejong and thus Princess Changrak's paternal aunt. Wang Seong died in 1178.
Together, Princess Changrak and Wang Seong had three children:

• Wang Won, Marquess Gyeseong (계성후 왕원_{Gyeseonghu Wang Won}^Korean), a son.
• Wang Jin, Marquess Yeongin (영인후 왕진_{Yeonginhu Wang Jin}^Korean; died 1220), a son.
• Queen Wondeok (died 1239), a daughter who became the second wife of King Gangjong.

4.3. Consanguineous Marriages

Consanguineous marriages were a common practice within the Goryeo royal family, often used to strengthen alliances and maintain lineage. Princess Changrak's own marriage and her daughter's marriage are prime examples of this practice.

• Princess Changrak and Wang Seong:** As noted, Princess Changrak's marriage to Wang Seong involved close kinship. Wang Seong was her paternal 10th cousin through their common ancestor King Hyeonjong. More significantly, Wang Seong's mother, Princess Seungdeok, was Princess Changrak's paternal aunt, making them first cousins once removed.
• Queen Wondeok and King Gangjong:** Their daughter, Queen Wondeok, also engaged in a consanguineous marriage by marrying King Gangjong. Through their paternal lines, they were 12th cousins. Additionally, through their maternal lines, they were 4th cousins. King Gangjong was the son of King Myeongjong, Princess Changrak's elder brother, which made him Princess Changrak's nephew and Queen Wondeok's first cousin, further illustrating the intricate and intergenerational pattern of royal intermarriage.