서희 徐熙
Goryeo chief minister who negotiated with the Khitan commander Xiao Sunning in 993 and opened the way to the Gangdong six districts; posthumous title Jangwi
| Life | 942 ~ 998 |
| Era | 고려 초기 |
| Clan | 이천 서씨 |
Life & career
Seo Hui (942-998), of the Icheon Seo clan, was an early Goryeo official and diplomat, courtesy name Yeomyun, posthumous title Jangwi (章威). His father was Naeuiryeong Seo Pil and his grandfather was the clan founder Seo Sin-il. He passed the civil examination in 960 under Gwangjong, served in several posts, became Byeonggwan-eosa in 983 and later rose to Naesa-sirang Pyeongjangsa and Taebo Naesaryeong.
When the Khitan commander Xiao Sunning invaded in 993, the court debated surrender or ceding land north of Seogyeong. Seo Hui opposed both and went to the enemy camp to negotiate. According to the History of Goryeo, when Xiao demanded that he bow in the courtyard, he refused, arguing that envoys of two states should meet as equals, and was allowed to bow as an equal in the hall.
Seo Hui saw that the Khitan's real aim was to cut Goryeo's ties with Song, and argued that Goryeo was the successor of Goguryeo and that the Jurchen blocked the road to the Khitan. The Khitan withdrew without battle and Goryeo gained a basis to open up the Gangdong region by the lower Amnok River. He died in 998 and in 1027 was enshrined at the shrine of King Seongjong.
The 993 Talks and the Gangdong Six Districts
Seo Hui's talks are often summarized as winning the six districts with words alone, but interpretations differ. Some commentary credits him with gaining the Gangdong region south of the Amnok River and extending Goryeo's border to it. Other accounts argue that the talks themselves did not hand over land; the real result was the opportunity to expel the Jurchen and take it.
He is said to have then overseen fortifications in the area. Because diplomacy was followed by actual construction, many see him as a minister who handled both military and diplomatic work.
Places That Honor Seo Hui
Seo Hui's tomb in Huri, Sanbuk-myeon, Yeoju, is a joint burial with his wife in a three-tiered precinct with offering table, lantern and civil and military stone figures, and was designated Gyeonggi Monument No. 36 on October 13, 1977. In 2024 it was reported that the Icheon Seo clan association asked to change the name 'General Seo Hui's Tomb' but the Gyeonggi heritage committee rejected it.
A statue of Seo Hui stands at the Seo Hui Statue Intersection in Jungni-dong, Icheon. The 1965 statue was replaced after more than 60 years; the new one is about 10 m tall and reflects Seongjong-era dress based on the standard portrait designated No. 95 in 2015. A Seo Hui Theme Park is in Moga-myeon, Icheon holds an annual Jangwigong Seo Hui Culture Festival, and Seolbong Seowon in Icheon enshrines him.
Grave
Huri, Sanbuk-myeon, Yeoju, Gyeonggi (Tomb of General Seo Hui, Gyeonggi Provincial Monument No. 36, designated 1977). Seolbong Seowon in Icheon honors him.
Descendants
His son Seo Nul became Munhasijung; Seo Yu-geol, Seo Yu-wi and Seo Ju-haeng are also recorded. His granddaughter Lady Wonmok became the sixth consort of King Hyeonjong, and his grandson Seo Jeong rose to Jungseo-sirang Pyeongjangsa. Descendants such as Seo Gong continued to serve as ministers into mid-Goryeo. See also the Icheon Seo clan page.