Pak Sŏ-saeng

In this Korean name, the family name is Pak.

Pak Sŏ-saeng (Korean: 박서생; Hanja: 朴瑞生; ?–?) was a Korean civil minister (munsin) in the 15th century during the early period of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Pak was also diplomat and ambassador, representing Joseon interests in the Tongsinsa to the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan.^[1]

Pak Sŏ-saeng
Hangul	박서생
Hanja	朴瑞生
RR	Bak Seosaeng
MR	Pak Sŏsaeng
Art name
Hangul	율정
Hanja	栗亭
RR	Yuljeong
MR	Yulchŏng
Courtesy name
Hangul	여상
Hanja	汝祥
RR	Yeosang
MR	Yŏsang

Biography

The birth and death dates of Pak Sŏ-saeng are unknown. Pak belonged to the Bian Pak clan, and his grandfather was Pak Yun-bo (박윤보; 朴允甫) and his father was Pak Chŏm (박점; 朴漸) who served as a senior colonel (Korean: 중랑장; Hanja: 中郎將; MR: chungnangjang).^[2] Pak Sŏ-saeng's art name was Yuljŏng, and his courtesy name was Yŏsang.^[3]

He learned Neo-Confucianism from Kil Chae, one of the great Neo-Confucian scholars of Korea.^[4] In 1401, he passed gwageo, the state examination, with a low grade. In 1407, he passed high grade examination and served for the government as the Jeongeon (정언; 正言), and became Byeongjo Jwarang, the next year.^[4] In 1419, he was appointed Jipui (집의; 執義), and he was promoted as Daesaseong (대사성; 大司成) in 1426.^[4]

King Sejong the Great sent a diplomatic mission to Japan (Joseon Tongsinsa) in 1428. This embassy to court of Ashikaga Yoshinori was led by Pak Sŏ-saeng. Its purpose was to respond to a message sent to the Joseon court by the Japanese shogun.^[5] In 1430, he was appointed Jiphyeonjeon bujehak (집현전부제학; 集賢殿副提學). Soon after that, he became Gongjo chamui and Byeongjo chamui (참의; 參議), minister of Yukjo, the Six Ministries. In 1432, he was appointed the administrator of Andong.^[4]

After his death, Pak Sŏ-saeng was enshrined in the Gucheon Seowon in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang. Pak's writings are preserved in the Yaeun-eonhaengnok (야은언행록; 冶隱言行錄).^[4]

See also

• List of Joseon Dynasty people
• Joseon Tongsinsa