Chong In-Ji

Born 1396 in Soksong; died 1478 in Seoul. Korean scholar and state figure.

From 1444 to 1446, Chong In-ji helped design the hunmin chongum alphabet (now called hangul). He also took part in the compilation of a number of works on the exact sciences, politics, military affairs, and history (including The History of Koryo, 1451). He was the chief minister in the government of the wang (ruler) Sejo, who held power from 1456 to 1468. Because he opposed the policy of encouraging Buddhism, however, he was banished to Puyo in central Korea. Under the next wang, Chong In-ji returned to the capital and received general recognition.