Cho Inbyŏk (; 13301393), was a military official in the Late Goryeo dynasty who came from the Hanyang Cho clan. He was the husband of Princess Jeonghwa, who was the sister of the founder of the Joseon dynasty, Yi Sŏng-gye, who granted him the title Internal Prince Yongwon when the dynasty was established.
Biography Early life and family background Cho Inbyŏk was born into the Hanyang Cho clan in 1330 as a son of Cho Ton () and his wife, Lady Yi (), who was the daughter of Yi Hongbok () from the Ganseong Yi clan. He had three younger brothers: Cho Ingyŏng (), Cho Ingyu (), and Cho Inok ().
His ancestors traced back Goryeo period as a local family from Yongjin-hyeon (). His great-grandfather, Cho Hwi, conspired with T'ak Ch'ŏng () and revolted in Ssangseong () in 1258 during King Gojong's reign. After they reached the north of Hwaju () and surrendered to the Yuan dynasty, the position of Ssangseong General Government Office () was established, to which the Cho family were hereditarily appointed governors from generation to generation.
Military career In 1361 (10th year of King Gongmin's reign), Cho (along with Pyŏn Annyŏl () and others) contributed when the Red Turbans invaded Goryeo.『Goryeosa』 Vol. 113 Biographies 26 Jesin Anu In 1363, he also contributed to subjugate Kim Yong's Rebellion ().
In 1372, Hobaldo (), Changhaema (), and others came to attacked Yisŏng () and Kanggye (), Cho went out as a judge and subjugated the enemy in Kaju ().『Goryeosa』 Vol. 43 21st Years of King Gongmin (1372) 2nd month 26th day; 『Goryeosajeolyo』 Vol. 29 21st Years of King Gongmin (1372) Then, when the Japanese plundered Hamju () and Pukch'ŏngju (), he marched out and ambushed the soldiers, defeating the Japanese and beheaded at least 70 people. From this achievement, he was worshiped as a ().『Goryeosa』 Vol. 43 21st Years of King Gongmin (1372) 6th month 27th day; 『Goryeosajeolyo』 Vol. 29 21st Years of King Gongmin (1372)
Reign of King Chang After King U was expelled to Ganghwa Island, his son, King Chang, ascended the throne. Around 1388, it was believed that U's birthday was in Todang (), so Cho was sent alongside Ku Sŏngno () to Ganghwa in order to present clothes for him.『Goryeosa』 Vol. 137 Biographies 50: Year Ascension of King Chang
When U was in Ganghwa, he was immediately moved to Yeoheung-gun () led by Cho, Chi Yonggi (), U Hongsu (), and Yu Chun (). Not long after that, Chang was dethroned and killed alongside his father due to the claims that he was not a true descendant of the House of Wang, but a descendant of Sin Ton.
Reign of King Gongyang In 1389 (1st year reign of King Gongyang), Cho was promoted into the position of () in Gyeongjin.『Goryeosa』 Vol. 45 First Year of King Gongyang (1389) 11th months 16th days Gyeongjin However, when he was rewarded () for his service to the country, he was believed to already be deceased.『Goryeosa』 Vol. 45 Second Year of King Gongyang
Later life After the new Joseon dynasty was established, Pyŏn Annyŏl, Wang Andŏk (), Chi Yonggi, Yi Wŏn'gye, Chŏng Chi (), and Ch'oe Kongch'ŏl () all became the second rank merit subjects.
Family Father: Cho Ton (조돈, 趙暾; 1307–1380) Grandfather: Cho Yanggi (조양기, 趙良琪; b. 1260); son of Cho Hwi (). Mother: Lady Yi of the Ganseong Yi clan (부인 간성이씨, 1309–1379) Grandfather: Yi Hongbok () Younger brothers: Cho Ingyŏng (조인경, 趙仁瓊; d. 1422) Cho Ingyu () Cho Inok (조인옥, 趙仁沃; 1347–1396) Wives and children: Lady Chŏng, of the Hadong Chŏng clan () 1st son: Cho On, Internal Prince Hancheon (조온 한천부원군, 趙溫 漢川府院君; 1347–1417) Lady Yi, of the Jeonju Yi clan () 2nd son: Cho Yŏn, Internal Prince Hanpyeong (조연 한평부원군, 趙涓 漢平府院君; 1374–1429)Married Grand Lady Kim of Byeonhan State (변한국대부인 김씨, 1374–1455) 3rd son: Cho Hu (조후, 趙候; 1377–1444) 4th son: Cho Sa (조사, 趙師; d. 1432) 5th son: Cho Pu () 1st daughter: Lady Cho () – married Hwang Kilwŏn (). 2nd daughter: Lady Cho () – married Im Maengyang (임맹양, 林孟陽; d. 1388), nephew of Im Kyŏnmi (임견미, 林堅味; d. 1388).
References
External links Cho Inbyŏk on the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture . Cho Inbyŏk on Doosan Encyclopedia .