원호 元昊
One of the Six Living Ministers (Saengyuksin) who withdrew after King Danjong's deposition; Jiphyeonjeon Jikjehak; pen name Gwallan; posthumous title Jeonggan
Same-name figures:
원호(元豪) — Joseon officer who as Gangwon auxiliary commander blocked Japanese crossings of the Namhan River at Yeoju in the Imjin War; posthumous title Chungjang
| Life | 1397 ~ 1463 |
| Era | 조선 전기 |
| Clan | 원주 원씨 |
Life & career
Won Ho (1397-1463) was an early-Joseon official counted among the Six Living Ministers (Saengyuksin) who kept faith with King Danjong. A member of the Wonju Won clan, he used the courtesy name Jaheo, pen names Gwallan and Muhang, and received the posthumous title Jeonggan. His father was Won Heon, a Byeoljang (the clan association calls him Prince Ikheung), and his mother, also of the Wonju Won clan, was the daughter of Won Cheon-sang and a niece of Won Cheon-seok. His wife was a daughter of Sin Eul-hyeon of the Yeongwol Sin clan. Clan records call him a 4th-generation descendant of Sijung Won Hong-pil and an 8th-generation descendant of founder Won Ik-gyeom.
He passed the civil examination under King Sejong and reached Jikjehak of the Hall of Worthies under King Munjong. When Prince Suyang deposed Danjong and took the throne, Won resigned in indignation and cut himself off from the world. When Danjong was exiled to Yeongwol he is said to have visited with Jo Ryeo and Yi Su-hyeong to pay his respects. After Danjong's death in 1457 he lived in Wonju and refused King Sejo's summons to be Vice-Minister of Taxation. The pavilion Gwallanjeong in Songhak, Jecheon (North Chungcheong Cultural Heritage No. 92) is listed by the clan association as a site linked to him.
His grandson Won Suk-gang, taking part as a historian in compiling the Sejo Veritable Records under King Yejong, was killed for his honest writing. Won Ho then burned his own books and told his descendants not to read for the sake of fame or gain. Under King Sukjong a memorial gate was erected in his home area, and in 1782 he was posthumously made Minister of Personnel together with Yu Eung-bu, Kim Si-seup, Nam Hyo-on and Seong Dam-su. He was enshrined at Chilbong Seowon.
Family and Examination
His mother was a niece of Won Cheon-seok, placing him in the scholarly stream of the clan. He passed the civil examination under Sejong and became Jikjehak of the Hall of Worthies under Munjong.
Danjong's Deposition and Retirement
He resigned in indignation at Suyang's accession and visited Danjong in Yeongwol with Jo Ryeo and Yi Su-hyeong. After Danjong died he stayed in Wonju and declined Sejo's summons as Vice-Minister of Taxation.
Grandson Won Suk-gang and the Burned Books
When his grandson Won Suk-gang was killed over his honest writing while compiling the Sejo records, he burned all of his own books.
Honors and Rites
A memorial gate was erected under Sukjong, he was posthumously made Minister of Personnel in 1782 and enshrined at Chilbong Seowon. Kim Si-seup is among those honored the same year.
Grave
Clan records place his tomb at Seogok-ri, Panbu-myeon, Wonju. Wikimedia Commons holds a photo titled 'Tomb of Won Ho (Gwallan), one of the Saengyuksin'.
Descendants
Known sons are Won Hyo-haeng, Hyo-ryeom, Hyo-geon and Hyo-gon; clan records add Hyo-don for five sons and one daughter. His son-in-law was Oh Chi-jong. His descendants form the Jeonggan-gong branch.