King Sejong was born on May 15, 1397, and was the third prince to King Taejong and Queen Wongyeong as Yi Do. Even from a young age, he loved to read, and King Taejong though this was a good quailty for a king. Soon, even though Yi Do was the youngest of three siblings, King Taejong saw it fit to name him the fourth King of the Joseon Dynasty because he was very wise. This was also because his oldest brother, Prince Yangnyeong was rude and aberrant at court, and his second elder brother had become a Buddhist monk. So, King Taejong saw it fit to name Yi Do as his heir to the throne. Upon coronation, Yi Do changed his name to Grand Prince Chungnyeong, as per tradition when he was twelve. Afterward, when he was twenty-one, he passed his examination and officially became King Sejong, the fourth ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. King Sejong was a very benevolent king. He believed that his citizens were “the people of heaven” while China and Japan were convinced that their emperor was the “Son of Heaven.” This is why his reign was refered to, the everlasting light of Korea, and the golden age. During the golden age, many advancements were made in a wide variety of areas, such as the Hall of Worthies, using bronze to measure rain, and making laws known to the public.

"A wise ruler should not neglect minority opinions and give a careful hearing. Nevertheless, it would be foolish for a monarch to make decisions based on a single person’s opinion." ~ King Sejong