The Cheongju Han clan () is a Korean clan best known for their many influential female members, including six queens. It was one of the most prominent clans in Goryeo and Joseon. Currently, the Cheongju Han is known as a clan that has long been prominent in South Korean politics, public service, business and arts.
Origin The members of the Cheongju Han clan claim descent from the sage Jizi (or Kija), a noble from the Shang dynasty who rode his white horse and set a nation in "the farthest east". They are said to be the descendants of Urang (友諒), the son of King Jun, the last monarch of the Kija period, during the ancient Gojoseon state. The founder of the Cheongju Han clan is Han Ran (; 853–916), the 32nd descendant of Urang.金相勲「韓国人の起源に関する中高生の意識と『国史』教科書との関係 」『Yamagata University 歴史・地理・人類学論集、第13号』2012、p48
History The clan provided the largest number of generals during the Joseon period. It is also well known for producing consorts for the royal family. They had produced six queens, five princesses consort, three royal consorts, 315 scholars, 12 Sangshin, 14 Gongshin, and 1 Daejejak throughout Joseon.
A member of this clan was Queen Insu, wife of Crown Prince Uigyeong, and the first female author in Korean history, who wrote Naehun, a Confucian morality guidebook for women.
Genealogy book The Cheongju Han's genealogy records (jokbo; 族譜) written by Han Hyo-jung, Han Hyuk and others in 1617, is considered important bibliographically. In addition, the overall system and recording method are different from other genealogies, having a feature that places great importance on royal records.
Living members
Han Seung-soo (born 1936), 39th Prime Minister of South Korea Han Sung-joo (born 1940), South Korean educator, diplomat and politician Han Myeong-sook (born 1944), 37th Prime Minister of South Korea Han Duck-soo (born 1949), 38th and 48th Prime Minister and former Acting President of South Korea Han Min-goo (born 1953), South Korean politician and general Han Kang (born 1970), South Korean writer Han Dong-hoon (born 1973), South Korean politician Han Terra (born 1982), South Korean inventor and musician Han (Han Ji-sung) (born 2000), South Korean rapper and member of Stray Kids
Royalty of the Ming dynasty Consort Kanghuizhuangshuli — consort of the Yongle Emperor Madame Gongshen (恭慎夫人) — younger sister of Consort Kanghuizhuangshuli; consort of the Xuande Emperor
Royalty of Joseon
Queen Sinui Queen Jangsun Queen Sohye (commonly known as Queen Insu) Queen Ansun Queen Gonghye Queen Inyeol Gwiin Han (귀인 한씨) — consort of King Jungjong and niece of Queen Ansun Sugui Han (숙의 한씨) — consort of King Myeongjong Onbin Han / Concubine On (온빈 한씨) — consort of King Seonjo
See also
Korean nobility Bone-rank system Yangban House of Yi Styles and titles in Joseon Consort kin Imperial Chinese harem system
References