Mid-founder of the Chogye Jeong clan, a Goryeo official who rose to Minister of Punishments
| Life | 1051 ~ 1106 |
| Era | 고려 중기 |
| Clan | 초계 정씨 |
Jeong Mun (鄭文, 1051-1106), courtesy name Uideok and posthumous title Jeonggan, was a mid-Goryeo official regarded as the mid-founder of the Chogye Jeong clan. He was the son of the founder Jeong Bae-geol and is said to have been born posthumously in 1051. Wikipedia notes that lunar and solar dating of his death is inconsistent, so his death is given as 1106 (lunar December 1105).
Under Munjong he sat the National Academy examination and wrote the rhapsody 'The People Are the King's Heaven', which the king praised. After passing, he became a secretary to Prince Gugwon, then under Seonjong was appointed to the Hallim Academy. A censor post was blocked by remonstrators, reportedly because his maternal grandfather came from Cheoin bugok, a low-status district, and he was made palace attendant and drafter instead, later governor of Gaegyeong and Vice Minister of Punishments.
In 1104 he presided over the examination, selecting 24 jinsa, and the same year went to Song as envoy; he is said to have given away the gold and silk he received and bought only books, impressing the Song court. He rose to Minister of Punishments and Vice Director of the State Council, and received further titles under Yejong before dying at home.
His wife is said to be a daughter of Kim Ui-seon (vice minister of revenue). He had three sons, Jeong Bok-gong, Jeong Bok-gyeong and Jeong Bok-yu, and a daughter titled Lady of Pyeongsang. The five branches descend from these three sons, hence he is honored as mid-founder.
His tomb location was not confirmed here. Sources mention his mother's tomb near that of his father.