Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was constructed by King Jeongjo (reigning 1777-1800) who was the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). King Jeongjo built the Suwon fortress for a number of reasons: filial piety to his father, political strategy to eradicate faction struggles and use of it as a fortress of national defense to the south.

I find the most interesting reason for building the fortress to be the filial piety (Confucian philosophy of respect for one’s father, elders, and ancestors) to his father, Prince Sado-Seja. Before I get started on this horrific historical story, here’s a quick family tree so you can follow along.

So here’s the scoop. King Yeongjo (grandfather to King Jeongjo), wise enough to see the end of his reign approaching, turned over the daily administration of government to his favorite son, Sado-Seja. Although probably a good idea, the king’s court was split by factionalism. Continue reading “The Prince Who Died Inside a Rice Box” →