My Parents’ Ancestral Clan

Paternal lineage: Musong Yoon clan

Founder: Yun Yang-bi, Nangjang

Origin and history of the clan:
Musong was the administrative district under the Unified Silla Dynasty, located in present-day Mujang-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. Originally, this area was called Songmijihyeon during Baekje. During the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Unified Silla, it was renamed Musong-hyeon, and in 1417 (the 17th year of King Taejong’s reign), it was merged with Jangsa-hyeon and renamed Mujang-hyeon, eventually becoming part of Gochang-gun after several administrative changes.

The early lineage of the Musong Yun clan is unknown due to missing records. However, during the reign of King Yejong of Goryeo, Yun Yang-bi attained the position of Boseung Nangjang and became the Hojang (local chief) of Mujang-hyeon. Hence, Yun Yang-bi became the clan’s founder, and Musong was adopted as the clan’s ancestral seat.

Prominent figures from the Musong Yun clan:
Yun Yang-bi’s great-grandson, Munjeonggong Taek, passed the civil service examination during King Chungsuk’s reign and served as Jeongdang Munhak and Chameuichanseongsa. Taek’s grandson, Sojong, was a disciple of Yi Saek and topped the civil service examination during King Gongmin’s reign. He participated in the compilation of Goryeosa, was a third-rank meritorious retainer, and also served as a scholar of Sumunjeon and Dongji Chun-chugwan.
Sojong’s son, Hoe, passed the civil service exam during King Taejong’s reign and co-authored Paldo Jiriji with Maeng Saseong and Shin Jang during King Sejong’s reign. He also served as Minister of War and Daejehak and was well-known for his love of alcohol.
Hoe’s grandson, Ja-un, served as Minister of War and Justice and became Yeonguijeong under King Seongjong’s reign, receiving the title of Musong Buwon-gun.
Additionally, Ja-un’s fifth-generation descendant, Hyeong, was honored as a second-rank meritorious subject (Gwangguk Ideung Gongsin) under King Seonjo for his role in resolving royal genealogy disputes, served as Minister of Finance and Chancellor, and was appointed Boguk Sungrok Daebu for his role in protecting the king during the Imjin War.
In modern times, independence activists such as Sebok and Seju have also upheld the honor of the Musong Yun clan.

According to the 1985 Economic Planning Agency census, there were 2,470 Musong Yun clan households in South Korea, totaling 10,320 members.

Maternal lineage: Hanyang Jo clan

Founder: Jo Ji-su

Origin and history of the clan:
Jo Ji-su, the founder of the Hanyang Jo clan, was a nobleman from Yongjin-hyeon in Deokwon-bu during the Goryeo Dynasty and served as Chameui Jungsa. After the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, his descendants moved to Hanseong (Seoul), where they flourished and produced many famous officials and scholars. Henceforth, they took Hanyang as their ancestral seat.

The Hanyang Jo clan branched into two main lineages: one descended from the lineage of Jo Ji-su, who held the office of Pandopanseo, and another descended from Hui, who held the position of Chong-gwan. Each branch created its own separate genealogy.

Prominent figures from the Hanyang Jo clan:
Hui’s son, Yang-gi, became a vice commander in 1281 (during the reign of King Chungnyeol), fought against the Khitan invasions, and received gold cloth and a jade belt as gifts from Emperor Shizu of the Yuan dynasty.
Yang-gi’s son, Don, contributed to reclaiming the Ssangsong region in 1356 under King Gongmin’s reign and, the following year, played a key role in defeating the Red Turbans who had invaded Pyeongyang. He served as Miljik Busa and was ennobled as Yongseong-gun in 1375 under King U. Don’s four sons all held office and upheld the family’s prominence.
His eldest son, In-byeok, became a commander of the northeastern region, suppressing Japanese pirates, married Princess Jeonghwa, and was ennobled as Yongwon Buwon-gun as brother-in-law to Yi Seong-gye.
Young-mu, a great-grandson of Pandopan-seo In-jae and son of Pandopan-seo Se-jin, was honored as a third-rank meritorious subject upon the founding of Joseon and appointed to Jaheon Daebu and Hanseong-gun. In 1405 (the 5th year of King Taejong), he became Uijeong, then concurrently served as Minister of War, and was ennobled as Hanseong Buwon-gun, earning the king’s close favor.

Prominent Confucian scholars and political figures:
One of the most renowned figures was Jo Gwang-jo, a leader of the Sarim faction during King Jungjong’s reign and a fourth-generation descendant of On-ui, a meritorious subject at the founding of Joseon. Jo Gwang-jo studied under Kim Gong-pil in exile in Huichon and devoted himself to Confucian principles. He emphasized Confucian statecraft and led reforms to advance Confucian ideals and place capable young scholars in key offices. However, this triggered opposition from the entrenched Hungu faction, leading to the infamous Gi-myosa purge orchestrated by Nam Gon and Shim Jeong, during which Jo Gwang-jo was exiled to Neungju and subsequently died. Revered as one of the “Four Confucian Sages of the East,” Jo Gwang-jo was greatly respected by Yi I (Yulgok) and other Neo-Confucian scholars.
Additionally, Jo Gwang-jo’s relatives included figures like Ui-han, a Daesagan and Minister of Justice who was revered as one of the “Cheongbaekri” (upright officials).
Gyeong-eun, who excelled in calligraphy and served as Minister of Personnel, was also recognized as Cheongbaekri.
Jong-jeon, son of Jangryeong, was well-versed in history, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and literature.
Nok, son of Chungjeonggong In-ok, became a vice-minister of Rites and was known for his filial piety.
Su-sam, a renowned poet and envoy to Ming six times, also excelled at calligraphy and Chinese language, and his grandson Jung-muk was one of the most celebrated portraitists of the late Joseon period alongside Yi Han-cheol.

Modern contributions of the clan:
During the modern period, Jo Maeng-seon attempted to assassinate the “five traitors” after the signing of the Eulsa Treaty. Failing in this mission, he led an army from Pyongyang and fought against Japanese forces, then founded the Independence Corps to train independence fighters.
His son, Byung-ok, was a student-activist who joined the Korean Students’ Association and the Young Korean Academy. After Korea’s liberation, he founded the Korean Democratic Party and served as Chief of Police. Later, he became a leader of the opposition Democratic Party and ran for president, but passed away in a U.S. Army hospital. Among his works are Democracy and Me and My Memoirs, for which he was awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962.
Renowned poet Jo Ji-hun was a prominent member of the Cheongrok literary group and champion of Korean national sentiment in literature after liberation. Throughout his career as a professor, he greatly influenced Korean letters and public life, with a memorial stele later erected in his honor.

According to the 1985 Economic Planning Agency census, the Hanyang Jo clan numbered 64,881 households and 273,408 people in South Korea.

My wife’s Ancestral Seat and historical background of her clan :

The Jeonju Choi clan (전주 최씨) is a Korean clan with its ancestral seat (본관) in Jeonju, located in present-day Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.

Origin and History:

The Jeonju Choi clan traces its origins back to Choi Sun (최 순), who is considered the founding ancestor. Jeonju, historically an important center of the Baekje Kingdom and later a royal city during the Joseon Dynasty, became the clan’s ancestral seat.

The Jeonju Choi clan is one of the prominent Korean clans bearing the Choi surname. Over generations, its members have produced distinguished scholars, military officers, and public officials. Throughout the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties, members of the Jeonju Choi clan played significant roles in national affairs, administration, and Confucian scholarship.

Legacy:

As a clan with a long lineage, the Jeonju Choi clan honors its ancestry through periodic gatherings, commemorative rituals, and the study of genealogy. Today, descendants of this clan can be found across South Korea and around the world.

Notable Figures from the Jeonju Choi Clan:

Choi Rip (최립, 崔岦, 1539–1612) –
A prominent Confucian scholar, civil servant, and literary figure during the mid-Joseon Dynasty. Choi Rip passed the civil service examination and held various high-ranking government posts. Known for his skill in writing and poetry, he greatly influenced Korean literature.
Choi Mun-sik (최문식) –
A distinguished civil official who served in the royal court, contributing to state administration and scholarship. Members of the Jeonju Choi clan often filled such roles during the Joseon Dynasty.

Historical Anecdotes and Legacy:

The Jeonju Choi clan is a part of the large Choi family group, which consists of various clans with different regional origins (bon-gwan). Among them, Jeonju Choi is respected for its emphasis on scholarship, Confucian ideals, and public service.
Jeonju itself holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty, so clans based there — like the Jeonju Choi — often benefited from royal favor and opportunities to serve in important government offices.
Even into modern times, descendants of the Jeonju Choi clan strive to preserve their ancestry by holding periodic memorial services at clan shrines and producing clan genealogical records (jokbo). Many clan members are proud of their scholarly and administrative traditions, viewing them as a legacy that shapes their family’s identity.

Notable Figures of the Jeonju Choi Clan

Choi Sun (최 순) – Recognized as the progenitor (founding ancestor) of the Jeonju Choi clan. He is believed to have lived during the early Goryeo Dynasty. He settled in Jeonju, and his descendants established Jeonju as their bon-gwan (ancestral seat).
Choi Jeong (최정) – A prominent official during the Goryeo period. He served in various high government positions and contributed to the administrative and cultural development of the kingdom.
Choi Hyeon (최현) – A respected Confucian scholar in the early Joseon Dynasty. He contributed to the promotion of Confucian ethics and education, and helped guide regional governance based on Confucian ideals.
Choi Yu-ha (최유하) – A military commander who defended Korea’s borders during times of foreign invasions. His loyalty and service to the court were praised in royal records.
Modern descendants – The Jeonju Choi clan has continued to produce figures involved in government, academia, culture, and business in modern Korea. Many of its members have contributed to Korean independence movements, education reforms, and cultural preservation.

Cultural and Historical Contributions

The Jeonju Choi clan, like other historic Korean clans, maintains detailed genealogical records (jokbo, 족보) that trace its lineage back to its founding ancestor.
The clan participates in ancestral rites (jesa, 제사) to honor their forebears, often gathering at ancestral shrines in or near Jeonju.
Over centuries, the Jeonju Choi clan contributed to the transmission of Confucian values and the establishment of scholarly traditions in Korea.