King Jeongjo and the Renaissance of Late Joseon

King Jeongjo, the twenty-second monarch of Joseon, advanced a period of cultural and political renewal in late Joseon. Seeking to clear the memory of his father, Crown Prince Sado, he strengthened monarchical power, established the Kyujanggak royal library to foster talented scholars, and supported Silhak (Practical Learning) intellectuals. Jeongjo enacted commercial deregulation (Sinhae Tonggong), established the Jangyongyeong royal guard, and built Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site combining defense, urban planning, and royal authority.

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