1. Overview
Queen Yongsin of the Danju Han clan, also known as Princess Consort Jeongsin, was the first queen consort of Jeongjong of Goryeo, the 10th monarch of the Goryeo dynasty. Born into the Danju Han clan, she was the daughter of Han-Jo and the elder sister of Queen Yongui, who later became Jeongjong's second wife. Her marriage to Jeongjong when he was still Prince Pyeongyang marked a union between a royal and a noble family, notably avoiding the common practice of inbreeding prevalent within the Goryeo royal family. She bore Jeongjong a son, Wang-Hyeong, in 1035. Queen Yongsin passed away in 1036 and was interred in Hyeolleung Tomb. Over time, she received several posthumous titles, culminating in her full posthumous name, Jeong-ui Myeong-dal Hui-mok Yongsin Wanghu.
2. Early Life and Family
Queen Yongsin was born into the Danju Han clan as the daughter of Han-Jo (한조Korean), who was posthumously honored as Munha Sijung (문하시중Korean, Minister of the Gate). She had an elder brother named Han-Gyu (한규Korean), who served as Sangseo Hyeongbusirang (상서 형부시랑Korean, Minister of Punishments). Notably, her younger sister, Queen Yongui, also became a consort to King Jeongjong, serving as his second wife. Unlike many royal marriages in Goryeo, which often involved close blood relations within the royal family, Queen Yongsin's marriage to Jeongjong was a union between a royal and a noble family, distinguishing it from the prevalent practice of inbreeding.
3. Marriage and Royal Life
Queen Yongsin married Jeongjong when he held the title of Prince Pyeongyang (평양군Pyeongyang-gunKorean). Upon Jeongjong's ascension to the throne as the 10th monarch of Goryeo, she was elevated to the position of queen consort. She was subsequently granted the royal title of Princess Yeonheung (연흥궁주Yeonheung-gungjuKorean). During her time as queen, she fulfilled her role within the Goryeo royal court, serving as the primary consort to the king.
4. Children
In 1035, the first year of Jeongjong's reign, Queen Yongsin gave birth to a son named Wang-Hyeong (왕형Korean). Following his birth, she was honored with the titles Gracious Consort Han (혜비 한씨Hye-Bi Han-ssiKorean) and Princess Consort Jeongsin (정신왕비Jeongsin WangbiKorean). Historical records regarding Wang-Hyeong present some discrepancies. While the "Biographies of Queens and Consorts" section of the *Goryeosa* (History of Goryeo) explicitly states that Queen Yongsin bore King Jeongjong a son named Wang-Hyeong, the "Biographies of Royal Family Members" section of the same chronicle completely omits any mention of Prince Wang-Hyeong. Due to this omission, detailed information about him remains unclear.
5. Death and Burial
Queen Yongsin passed away in 1036, specifically on the 24th day of the 7th lunar month (corresponding to August 18, 1036, in the solar calendar), during the second year of Jeongjong's reign. Following her death, she was interred in a tomb named Hyeolleung (현릉HyeolleungKorean).
6. Posthumous Titles
After her death, Queen Yongsin was granted several posthumous titles over time, reflecting her status and the respect accorded to her. Her initial posthumous name was Yongsin Wanghu (용신왕후Yongsin WanghuKorean). Additional titles were bestowed upon her during the reigns of subsequent Goryeo monarchs:
- In October 1056, during the 10th year of the reign of Munjong of Goryeo, the title Jeong-ui (정의Jeong-uiKorean) was added to her name.
- In April 1140, during the 18th year of the reign of Injong of Goryeo, the title Myeong-dal (명달Myeong-dalKorean) was further appended.
- In October 1253, during the 40th year of the reign of Gojong of Goryeo, the title Hui-mok (희목Hui-mokKorean) was added.
These additions culminated in her full posthumous name: Jeong-ui Myeong-dal Hui-mok Yongsin Wanghu (정의명달희목용신왕후Jeong-ui Myeong-dal Hui-mok Yongsin WanghuKorean).