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History of Korea
Prehistoric period Palaeolithic 700,000 BC-8000 BC Neolithic 8000 BC–1500 BC * Jeulmun Bronze Age 1500 BC–300 BC * Mumun * Liaoning dagger
Ancient period Gojoseon 2333 BC–108 BC * Dangun * Gija * Wiman Jin 4th–2nd century BC Yemaek
Proto–Three Kingdoms period Takri Dongye Buyeo Eastern Galsa Okjeo Samhan Ma Byeon Jin Goguryeo Tamna Nakrang Four Commanderies of Han
Three Kingdoms period Goguryeo 37 BC–668 AD Baekje 18 BC–660 AD Silla 57 BC–935 AD Gaya confederacy 42–562 Tamna (Tributary of Baekje) 498–660 Usan 512–930
Northern and Southern period United Silla (Unified Silla) 668–892 Balhae 698–926 Little Goguryeo 699–820 Tamna (Tributary of Silla) 662–925
Later Three Kingdoms period Later Baekje 892–936 Taebong (Later Goguryeo) 901–918 Unified Silla (Later Silla) 892–935 Later Sabeol 919–927 Dongdan Kingdom 926–936 Later Balhae 927–935 Jeongan 938–986
Dynastic period Goryeo 918–1392 Tamna (Vassal of Goryeo) 938–1105 Heungyo 1029–1030 Joseon 1392–1897 Korean Empire 1897–1910
Colonial period Japanese occupation 1910–1945 Provisional Government 1919–1948
Modern period Military governments 1945–1948 North-South division 1945–present * North 1948–present * South 1948–present
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This is a list of monarchs of Korea, arranged by dynasty. Names are romanized according to the South Korean Revised Romanization of Korean. McCune–Reischauer romanizations may be found at the articles about the individual monarchs.

Gojoseon

Gojoseon (2333 BC – 108 BC) was the first Korean kingdom. According to legend, it was founded by Dangun in 2333 BC.

Bronze Age archaeological evidence of Gojoseon culture is found in northern Korea and Liaoning. By the 9th to 4th century BC, various historical and archaeological evidence shows Gojoseon was a flourishing state and a self-declared kingdom.

Both Dangun and Gija are believed to be mythological figures, but recent findings suggest and theorize that since Gojoseon was a kingdom with artifacts dating back to the 4th millennium BC, Dangun and Gija may have been royal or imperial titles used for the monarchs of Gojoseon, hence the use of Dangun for 1900 years.

Earliest mythological rulers

Dangun Joseon
#	Portrait	Name		Period of reign
		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja
1		Dangun Wanggeom	단군왕검 (檀君王儉)	2333(?) – ? BC
Gija Joseon
#	Portrait	Name		Period of reign
		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja
1		Gija	기자 (箕子)	1122(?) – ? BC

Historical rulers

Buyeo

Buyeo (c. 2nd century BC – 494 AD) ruled in modern-day Northeast China. Although records are sparse and contradictory, it is speculated that in the 1st century BC, Eastern Buyeo branched out, after which the original Buyeo is sometimes referred to as Northern Buyeo. Its remnants were absorbed by the neighboring and brotherhood kingdom of Goguryeo in 494.

Early Eastern Buyeo

Galsa Buyeo

Later Northern Buyeo

Goguryeo

Goguryeo (37 BC – 668 AD) was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Goguryeo rulers may have used the title of Taewang (太王, "Greatest King").

Baekje

Baekje (18 BC – 660 AD) was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Temple names were the same as personal names, unless noted otherwise.

#	Portrait	Personal names		Period of reign	Posthumous name
		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja
1		Buyeo Onjo	부여온조 (扶餘溫祚)	18 BC – 28 AD	Onjo	온조왕 (溫祚王)
2		Buyeo Daru	부여다루 (扶餘多婁)	28–77	Daru	다루왕 (多婁王)
3		Buyeo Giru	부여기루 (扶餘己婁)	77–128	Giru	기루왕 (己婁王)
4		Buyeo Gaeru	부여개루 (扶餘蓋婁)	128–166	Gaeru	개루왕 (蓋婁王)
5		Buyeo Chogo Buyeo Sogo Buyeo Sokgo	부여초고 (扶餘肖古) 부여소고 (扶餘素古) 부여속고 (扶餘速古)	166–214	Chogo Sogo Sokgo	초고왕 (肖古王) 소고왕 (素古王) 속고왕 (速古王)
6		Buyeo Gusu Buyeo Guisu	부여구수 (扶餘仇首) 부여귀수 (扶餘貴須)	214–234	Gusu Guisu	구수왕 (仇首王) 귀수왕 (貴須王)
7		Buyeo Saban Buyeo Sabi Buyeo Sai	부여사반 (扶餘沙泮) 부여사비 (扶餘沙沸) 부여사이 (扶餘沙伊)	234	Saban Sabi Sai	사반왕 (沙泮王) 사비왕 (沙沸王) 사이왕 (沙伊王)
8		Buyeo Goi Buyeo Gui Buyeo Gomo	부여고이 (扶餘古爾) 부여구이 (扶餘久爾) 부여고모 (扶餘古慕)	234–286	Goi Gui Gomo	고이왕 (古爾王) 구이왕 (久爾王) 고모왕 (古慕王)
9		Buyeo Chaekgye Buyeo Cheonggye	부여책계 (扶餘責稽) 부여청계 (扶餘靑稽)	286–298	Chaekgye Cheonggye	책계왕 (責稽王) 청계왕 (靑稽王)
10		Buyeo Bunseo	부여분서 (扶餘汾西)	298–304	Bunseo	분서왕 (汾西王)
11		Buyeo Biryu	부여비류 (扶餘比流)	304–344	Biryu	비류왕 (比流王)
12		Buyeo Gye	부여계 (扶餘契)	344–346	Gye	계왕 (契王)
13		Buyeo Gu	부여구 (扶餘句)	346–375	Geunchogo Chogo Sokgo Jogo	근초고왕 (近肖古王) 초고왕 (肖古王) 속고왕 (速古王) 조고왕 (照古王)
14		Buyeo Su	부여수 (扶餘須)	375–384	Geun-gusu Geun-guisu Guisu Guiryu Guso	근구수왕 (近仇首王) 근귀수왕 (近貴首王) 귀수왕 (貴首王) 귀류왕 (貴流王) 구소왕 (久素王)
15		Buyeo Chimnyu	부여침류 (扶餘枕流)	384–385	Chimnyu	침류왕 (枕流王)
16		Buyeo Jinsa Buyeo Hwi	부여진사 (扶餘辰斯) 부여휘 (扶餘暉)	385–392	Jinsa	진사왕 (辰斯王)
17		Buyeo Asin Buyeo Abang Buyeo Ahwa Buyeo Ami	부여아신 (扶餘阿莘) 부여아방 (扶餘阿芳) 부여아화 (扶餘阿花) 부여아미 (扶餘阿美)	392–405	Asin Abang Ahwa Ami	아신왕 (阿莘王) 아방왕 (阿芳王) 아화왕 (阿花王) 아미왕 (阿美王)
18		Buyeo Yeong Buyeo Jeon	부여영 (扶餘映) 부여전 (扶餘腆)	405–420	Jeonji Jikji Jinji	전지왕 (腆支王) 직지왕 (直支王) 진지왕 (眞支王)
19		Unknown	Unknown	420–427	Gu-isin	구이신왕 (久爾辛王)
20		Buyeo Biyu Buyeo Bi	부여비유 (扶餘毗有) 부여비 (扶餘毗)	427–455	Biyu Piryu	비유왕 (毗有王) 피류왕 (避流王)
21		Buyeo Gyeong Buyeo Gyeongsa	부여경 (扶餘慶) 부여경사 (扶餘慶司)	455–475	Gaero Geun-gaeru	개로왕 (蓋鹵王) 근개루왕 (近蓋婁王)
22		Buyeo Do Buyeo Modo	부여도 (扶餘都) 부여모도 (扶餘牟都)	475–477	Munju	문주왕 (文周王)
23		Buyeo Samgeun Buyeo Samgeol Buyeo Imgeol	부여삼근 (扶餘三斤) 부여삼걸 (扶餘三乞) 부여임걸 (扶餘壬乞)	477–479	Samgeun Mun-geun	삼근왕 (三斤王) 문근왕 (文斤王)
24		Buyeo Modae Buyeo Dae Buyeo Mamo Buyeo Malda	부여모대 (扶餘牟大) 부여대 (扶餘大) 부여마모 (扶餘摩牟) 부여말다 (扶餘末多)	479–501	Dongseong Malda	동성왕 (東城王) 말다왕 (末多王)
25		Buyeo Sama Buyeo Yung	부여사마 (扶餘斯摩) 부여융 (扶餘隆)	501–523	Muryeong Sama	무령왕 (武寧王) 사마왕 (斯摩王)
26		Buyeo Myeongnong Buyeo Myeong	부여명농 (扶餘明禯) 부여명 (扶餘明)	523–554	Seong Myeong Seongmyeong	성왕 (聖王) 명왕 (明王) 성명왕 (聖明王)
27		Buyeo Chang	부여창 (扶餘昌)	554–598	Wideok Chang	위덕왕 (威德王) 창왕 (昌王)
28		Buyeo Gye	부여계 (扶餘季)	598–599	Hye Heon	혜왕 (惠王) 헌왕 (獻王)
29		Buyeo Seon Buyeo Hyosun	부여선 (扶餘宣) 부여효순 (扶餘孝順)	599–600	Beop	법왕 (法王)
30		Buyeo Jang Buyeo Seodong	부여장 (扶餘璋) 부여서동 (扶餘薯童)	600–641	Mu Mugang Mugwang	무왕 (武王) 무강왕 (武康王) 무광왕 (武廣王)
31		Buyeo Uija	부여의자 (扶餘義慈)	641–660	None	None
(32)		Buyeo Pung Buyeo Pungjang	부여풍 (扶餘豊) 부여풍장 (扶餘豊璋)	660–663	None	None

Silla

Silla (57 BC – 935 AD) was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. In the early years, Silla was ruled by the Pak, Seok, and Kim families. Rulers of Silla had various titles, including Isageum, Maripgan, and Daewang. Like some Baekje kings, some declared themselves emperor.

1. Hyeokgeose Geoseogan 혁거세 거서간 赫居世居西干 (57 BC – 4 AD)
2. Namhae Chachaung 남해 차차웅 南解次次雄 (4–24)
3. Yuri Isageum 유리이사금 儒理尼師今 (24–57) (Kings Yuri to Heurhae bore the Korean title Isageum, an old word for "ruler")
4. Talhae Isageum 탈해이사금 脫解尼師今 (57–80)
5. Pasa Isageum 파사이사금 婆娑尼師今 (80–112)
6. Jima Isageum 지마이사금 祇摩尼師今 (112–134)
7. Ilseong Isageum 일성이사금 逸聖尼師今 (134–154)
8. Adalla Isageum 아달라이사금 阿達羅尼師今 (154–184)
9. Beolhyu Isageum 벌휴이사금 伐休尼師今 (184–196)
10. Naehae Isageum 내해이사금 奈解尼師今 (196–230)
11. Jobun Isageum 조분이사금 助賁尼師今 (230–247)
12. Cheomhae Isageum 첨해이사금 沾解尼師今 (247–261)
13. Michu Isageum 미추이사금 味鄒尼師今 (262–284)
14. Yurye Isageum 유례이사금 儒禮尼師今 (284–298)
15. Girim Isageum 기림이사금 基臨尼師今 (298–310)
16. Heulhae Isageum 흘해이사금 訖解尼師今 (310–356)
17. Naemul Maripgan 내물마립간 奈勿麻立干 (356–402) (Kings Naemul to Soji bore the Korean title Maripgan, an old word for "ruler")
18. Silseong Maripgan 실성마립간 實聖麻立干 (402–417)
19. Nulji Maripgan 눌지마립간 訥祇麻立干 (417–458)
20. Jabi Maripgan 자비마립간 慈悲麻立干 (458–479)
21. Soji Maripgan 소지마립간 炤知麻立干 (479–500)
22. King Jijeung 지증왕 智證王 (500–514) (Kings Jijeung to Gyeongsun bore the title Wang (the modern Korean word for "king"), with the exceptions noted below)
23. King Beopheung 법흥왕 法興王 (514–540)
24. King Jinheung 진흥왕 眞興王 (540–576)
25. King Jinji 진지왕 眞智王 (576–579)
26. King Jinpyeong 진평왕 眞平王 (579–632)
27. Queen Seondeok 선덕여왕 善德王 (632–647)
28. Queen Jindeok 진덕여왕 眞德王 (647–654)
29. King Taejong Muyeol 태종무열왕 太宗武烈王 (654–661)
30. King Munmu 문무왕 文武王 (661–681)
31. King Sinmun 신문왕 神文王 (681–692)
32. King Hyoso 효소왕 孝昭王 (692–702)
33. King Seongdeok 성덕왕 聖德王 (702–737)
34. King Hyoseong 효성왕 孝成王 (737–742)
35. King Gyeongdeok 경덕왕 景德王 (742–765)
36. King Hyegong 혜공왕 惠恭王 (765–780)
37. King Seondeok 선덕왕 宣德王 (780–785)
38. King Wonseong 원성왕 元聖王 (785–798)
39. King Soseong 소성왕 昭聖王 (798–800)
40. King Aejang 애장왕 哀莊王 (800–809)
41. King Heondeok 헌덕왕 憲德王 (809–826)
42. King Heungdeok 흥덕왕 興德王 (826–836)
43. King Huigang 희강왕 僖康王 (836–838)
44. King Minae 민애왕 閔哀王 (838–839)
45. King Sinmu 신무왕 神武王 (839)
46. King Munseong 문성왕 文聖王 (839–857)
47. King Heonan 헌안왕 憲安王 (857–861)
48. King Gyeongmun 경문왕 景文王 (861–875)
49. King Heongang 헌강왕 憲康王 (875–886)
50. King Jeonggang 정강왕 定康王 (886–887)
51. Queen Jinseong 진성여왕 眞聖王 (887–897)
52. King Hyogong 효공왕 孝恭王 (897–912)
53. King Sindeok 신덕왕 神德王 (912–917)
54. King Gyeongmyeong 경명왕 景明王 (917–924)
55. King Gyeongae 경애왕 景哀王 (924–927)
56. King Gyeongsun 경순왕 敬順王 (927–935)

Gaya confederacy

The Gaya confederacy (42–562) consisted of several small statelets. All rulers of Gaya bore the title Wang ("King").

Geumgwan Gaya

Geumgwan Gaya (42–532) was one of the Gaya confederacy.

Daegaya

Daegaya (42–562) was one of the Gaya confederacy.

Tamna

Tamna (2337 BC(?)–938 AD) was an ancient local kingdom on the Jeju Island.

Balhae

Balhae (698–926) was an ancient Korean kingdom established after the fall of Goguryeo. Balhae occupied southern parts of Northeast China, Primorsky Krai, and the northern part of the Korean peninsula.

Later Baekje

Later Baekje (900–936) was founded by Kyŏn Hwŏn, who was a general during Later Silla's period of decline. Thus began the Later Three Kingdoms period. Later Baekje met its downfall at the hands of Kyŏn Hwŏn himself, who later led the Goryeo armies alongside Taejo of Goryeo to capture Kyŏn Sin-gŏm, who had betrayed his father, Kyŏn Hwŏn, and usurped the throne.

Later Goguryeo

Taebong (901–918), also known as Majin or Later Goguryeo, was established by Gung-ye, an outcast prince of Silla. Gung-Ye joined General Yang Gil's rebellion, and rose through the ranks. He eventually assassinated Yang-Gil and established a new kingdom, naming it Later Goguryeo. Gung-Ye turned out to be a tyrant, and was overthrown by his generals, opening the way for General Wang Geon, who established Goryeo.

Goryeo dynasty

Goryeo (918–1392) was ruled by the Wang Dynasty. The first ruler had the temple name Taejo, which means "great progenitor", and was applied to the first kings of both Goryeo and Joseon, as they were also the founders of the Wang and Yi Dynasties respectively. Starting with Gwangjong, rulers of Goryeo styled themselves emperors, with the first three rulers elevated to that title posthumously. With the Mongol conquest, however, the title of the ruler was demoted to a king, or "Wang."

The next twenty-three kings (until Wonjong) are also referred to by their temple names, ending in jong. Beginning with Chungnyeol (the twenty-fifth king), all the remaining kings of Goryeo had the title Wang ("King") as part of their temple names. Era names are in bracket where available.

#	Portrait	Personal name		Period of reign	Courtesy name (C)/ Mongol name (M) / Pseudonym (Ps)		Temple name (廟號) (T) / Posthumous name (諡號) (P) / Posthumous name given by Mongols (MP)		Era name (年號)
		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja	Westernized	Hangul/Hanja	Westernized	Hangul/Hanja
1		Wang Geon	왕건 (王建)	918–943	Yakcheon (C)	약천 (若天, C)	Taejo (T) Sinseong (P)	태조 (太祖, T) 신성 (神聖, P)	Cheonsu	천수 (天授)
2		Wang Mu	왕무 (王武)	943–945	Sunggeon (C)	승건 (承乾, C)	Hyejong Uigong (P)	혜종 (惠宗, T) 의공 (義恭, P)
3		Wang Yo	왕요 (王堯)	945–949	Uicheon (C)	의천 (義天, C)	Jeongjong (T) Munmyeong (P)	정종 (定宗, T) 문명 (文明, P)
4		Wang So	왕소 (王昭)	949–975	Ilhwa (C)	일화 (日華, C)	Gwangjong (T) Daesung (P)	광종 (光宗, T) 대성 (大成, P)	Gwangdeok Junpung	광덕 (光德) 준풍 (峻豊)
5		Wang Ju	왕주 (王伷)	975–981	Jangmin (C)	장민 (長民, C)	Gyeongjong (T) Heonhwa (P)	경종 (景宗, T) 헌화 (獻和, P)
6		Wang Chi	왕치 (王治)	981–997	On-go (C)	온고 (溫古, C)	Seongjong (T) Munui (P)	성종 (成宗, T) 문의 (文懿, P)
7		Wang Song	왕송 (王訟)	997–1009	Hyosin (C)	효신 (孝伸, C)	Mokjong (T) Seonyang (P)	목종 (穆宗, T) 선양 (宣讓, P)
8		Wang Sun	왕순 (王詢)	1009–1031	Anse (C)	안세 (安世, C)	Hyeonjong (T) Wonmun (P)	현종 (顯宗, T) 원문 (元文, P)
9		Wang Heum	왕흠 (王欽)	1031–1034	Wonryang (C)	원량 (元良, C)	Deokjong (T) Gyeonggang (P)	덕종 (德宗, T) 경강 (敬康, P)
10		Wang Hyeong	왕형 (王亨)	1034–1046	Sinjo (C)	신조 (申照, C)	Jeongjong (T) Yonghye (P)	정종 (靖宗, T) 용혜 (容惠, P)
11		Wang Hwi	왕휘 (王徽)	1046–1083	Chok-yu (C)	촉유 (燭幽, C)	Munjong (T) Inhyo (P)	문종 (文宗, T) 인효 (仁孝, P)
12		Wang Hun	왕훈 (王勳)	1083	Uigong (C)	의공 (義恭, C)	Sunjong (T) Seonhye (P)	순종 (順宗, T) 선혜 (宣惠, P)
13		Wang Un	왕운 (王運)	1083–1094	Gyecheon (C)	계천 (繼天, C)	Seonjong (T) Sahyo (P)	선종 (宣宗, T) 사효 (思孝, P)
14		Wang Uk	왕욱 (王昱)	1094–1095	None	None	Heonjong (T) Hoehyo (P)	헌종 (獻宗, T) 공상 (恭殤, P)
15		Wang Ong	왕옹 (王顒)	1095–1105	Cheonsang (C)	천상 (天常, C)	Sukjong (T) Myeonghyo (P)	숙종 (肅宗, T) 명효 (明孝, P)
16		Wang U	왕우 (王俁)	1105–1122	Semin (C)	세민 (世民, C)	Yejong (T) Munhyo (P)	예종 (睿宗, T) 문효 (文孝, P)
17		Wang Hae	왕해 (王楷)	1122–1146	Inpyo (C)	인표 (仁表, C)	Injong (T) Gonghyo (P)	인종 (仁宗, T) 공효 (恭孝, P)
18		Wang Hyeon	왕현 (王晛)	1146–1170	Ilsung (C)	일승 (日升, C)	Uijong (T) Janghyo (P)	의종 (毅宗, T) 장효 (莊孝, P)
19		Wang Ho	왕호 (王晧)	1170–1197	Jidan (C)	지단 (之旦, C)	Myeongjong (T) Gwanghyo (P)	명종 (明宗, T) 광효 (光孝, P)
20		Wang Tak	왕탁 (王晫)	1197–1204	Jihwa (C)	지화 (至華, C)	Sinjong (T) Jeonghyo (P)	신종 (神宗, T) 정효 (靖孝, P)
21		Wang Yeong	왕영 (王韺)	1204–1211	Bulpi (C)	불피 (不陂, C)	Huijong (T) Seonghyo (P)	희종 (熙宗, T) 성효 (成孝, P)
22		Wang O	왕오 (王祦)	1211–1213	Daehwa (C)	대화 (大華, C)	Gangjong (T) Wonhyo (P)	강종 (康宗, T) 원효 (元孝, P)
23		Wang Cheol	왕철 (王皞)	1213–1259	Cheon-u (C)	천우 (天祐, C)	Gojong (T) Anhyo (P) Chungheon (MP)	고종 (高宗, T) 안효 (安孝, P) 충헌 (忠憲, MP)
24		Wang Sik	왕식 (王禃)	1259–1274	Ilsin (C)	일신 (日新, C)	Wonjong (T) Sunhyo (P) Chunggyeong (MP)	원종 (元宗, T) 순효 (順孝, P) 충경 (忠敬, MP)
25		Wang Geo	왕거 (王昛)	1274–1298 1298–1308	None	None	Chungnyeol (MP) Gyeonghyo (P)	충렬 (忠烈, MP) 경효 (景孝, P)
26		Wang Jang	왕장 (王璋)	1298 1308–1313	Jungang (C) Iǰirbuka (M)	중앙 (仲昻, C) 익지례보화 (益知禮普花, M)	Chungseon (MP) Heonhyo (P)	충선 (忠宣, MP) 헌효 (憲孝, P)
27		Wang Do	왕도 (王燾)	1313–1330 1332–1339	Uihyo (C) Aratnašri (M)	의효 (宜孝, C) 아랄특눌실리 (阿剌忒訥失里, M)	Chungsuk (MP) Uihyo (P)	충숙 (忠肅, MP) 의효 (懿孝, P)
28		Wang Jeong	왕정 (王禎)	1330–1332 1339–1344	Buddhašri (M)	보탑실리 (寶塔實里, M)	Chunghye (MP) Heonhyo (P)	충혜 (忠惠, MP) 헌효 (獻孝, P)
29		Wang Heun	왕흔 (王昕)	1344–1348	Padma dorji (M)	팔사마타아지 (八思麻朶兒只, M)	Chungmok (MP) Hyeonghyo (P)	충목 (忠穆, MP) 현효 (顯孝, P)
30		Wang Jeo	왕저 (王㫝)	1348–1351	Čosgen dorji (M)	미사감타아지 (迷思監朶兒只, M)	Chungjeong (MP)	충정 (忠定, MP)
31		Wang Jeon	왕전 (王顓)	1351–1374	Bayan Temür (M) Ijae / Ikdang (Ps)	백안첩목아 (伯顔帖木兒, M) 이재 / 익당 (Ps)	Gongmin (P) Gyeonghyo (P)	공민 (恭愍, P) 경효 (敬孝, P)
32		Wang U	왕우 (王禑)	1374–1388	None	None	U	None
33		Wang Chang	왕창 (王昌)	1388–1389	None	None	Chang	None
34		Wang Yo	왕요 (王瑤)	1389–1392	None	None	Gongyang	공양 (恭讓, P)

Joseon dynasty

Joseon (1392–1910) followed Goryeo. In 1897, when Joseon became the Korean Empire, some of the Joseon kings were posthumously raised to the rank of emperors.

Joseon monarchs had temple names ending in jo or jong. Jo was given to the first kings/emperors of new lines within the dynasty, with the first king/emperor having the special name (Taejo), which means "great progenitor" (see also Goryeo). Jong was given to all other kings/emperors.

Two kings, Yeonsangun and Gwanghaegun, were not given temple names after their reigns ended.

Each monarch had a posthumous name that included either the title Wang ("King"), Hwangje ("Emperor"), Daewang ("King X the Great"), or Daeje ("Emperor X the Great"). For the sake of consistency, the title "King/Emperor" has been added to each monarch's temple name in the list below.

#	Portrait	Personal name		Period of reign	Courtesy name (C) / Pseudonym (Ps)		Temple name (廟號) (T) / Posthumous name (諡號) (P)		Era name (年號)
		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja	Westernized	Hangul/Hanja	Westernized	Hangul/Hanja
1		Yi Seong-gye Yi Dan	이성계 (李成桂) 이단 (李旦)	1392–1398	Gunjin (C) Songheon (Ps)	군진 (君晋, C) 송헌 (松軒, Ps)	Taejo (T) Emperor Go (P)	태조 (太祖, T) 신무 (神武, P) 고황제 (高皇帝, P)
2		Yi Bang-gwa Yi Gyeong	이방과 (李芳果) 이경 (李曔)	1398–1400	Gwangwon (C)	광원 (光遠, C)	Jeongjong (T) Gongjeong (P)	정종 (定宗, T) 공정 (恭靖, P)
3		Yi Bang-won	이방원 (李芳遠)	1400–1418	Yudeok (C)	유덕 (遺德, C)	Taejong (T) Gongjeong (P)	태종 (太宗, T) 공정 (恭定, P)
4		Yi Do	이도 (李祹)	1418–1450	Wonjeong (C)	원정 (元正, C)	Sejong (T) Jangheon (P)	세종 (世宗, T) 장헌 (莊憲, P)
5		Yi Hyang	이향 (李珦)	1450–1452	Hwiji (C)	휘지 (輝之, C)	Munjong (T) Gongsun (P)	문종 (文宗, T) 공순 (恭順, P)
6		Yi Hong-wi	이홍위 (李弘暐)	1452–1455	None	None	Danjong (T) Gongui (P)	단종 (端宗, T) 공의 (恭懿, P)
7		Yi Yu	이유 (李瑈)	1455–1468	Suji (C)	수지 (粹之, C)	Sejo (T) Hyejang (P)	세조 (世祖, T) 혜장 (惠莊, P)
8		Yi Hwang	이황 (李晄)	1468–1469	Myeingjo (C) Pyeongnam (C)	명조 (明照, C) 평남 (平南, C)	Yejong (T) Yangdo (P)	예종 (睿宗, T) 양도 (襄悼, P)
9		Yi Hyeol	이혈 (李娎)	1469–1494	None	None	Seongjong (T) Gangjeong (P)	성종 (成宗, T) 강정 (康靖, P)
10		Yi Yung	이융 (李㦕)	1494–1506	None	None	Yeonsangun	연산군 (燕山君)
11		Yi Yeok	이역 (李懌)	1506–1544	Nakcheon (C)	낙천 (樂天, C)	Jungjong (T) Gonghui (P)	중종 (中宗, T) 공희 (恭僖, P)
12		Yi Ho	이호 (李峼)	1544–1545	Cheonyun (C)	천윤 (天胤, C)	Injong (T) Yeongjeong (P)	인종 (仁宗, T) 영정 (榮靖, P)
13		Yi Hwan	이환 (李峘)	1545–1567	Daeyang (C)	대양 (對陽, C)	Myeongjong (T) Gongheon (P)	명종 (明宗, T) 공헌 (恭憲, P)
14		Yi Yeon	이연 (李昖)	1567–1608	None	None	Seonjo (T) Sogyeong (P)	선조 (宣祖, T) 소경 (昭敬, P)
15		Yi Hon	이혼 (李琿)	1608–1623	None	None	Gwanghaegun	광해군 (光海君)
16		Yi Jong	이종 (李倧)	1623–1649	Cheonyun (C) Hwabaek (C) Songchang (Ps)	천윤 (天胤, C) 화백 (和伯, C) 송창 (松窓, Ps)	Injo (T)	인조 (仁祖, T)
17		Yi Ho	이호 (李淏)	1649–1659	Jeongyeon (C) Juk-o (Ps)	정연 (靜淵, C) 죽오(竹梧, Ps)	Hyojong (T)	효종 (孝宗, T)
18		Yi Yeon	이연 (李棩)	1659–1674	Gyeongjik (C)	경직 (景直, C)	Hyeonjong (T)	현종 (顯宗, T)
19		Yi Sun	이순 (李焞)	1674–1720	Myeongbo (C)	명보 (明譜, C)	Sukjong (T)	숙종 (肅宗, T)
20		Yi Yun	이윤 (李昀)	1720–1724	Hwiseo (C)	휘서 (輝瑞, C)	Gyeongjong (T)	경종 (景宗, T)
21		Yi Geum	이금 (李昑)	1724–1776	Gwangsuk (C) Yangseongheon (Ps)	광숙 (光叔, C) 양성헌 (養性軒, Ps)	Yeongjo (T)	영조 (英祖, T)
22		Yi San	이산 (李祘)	1776–1800	Hyeongun (C) Hongjae (Ps)	형운 (亨運, C) 홍재 (弘齋, Ps)	Jeongjo (T)	정조 (正祖, T)
23		Yi Gong	이공 (李玜)	1800–1834	Gongbo (C) Sunjae (Ps)	공보(公寶, C) 순재 (純齋, Ps)	Sunjo (T)	순조 (純祖, T)
24		Yi Hwan	이환 (李烉)	1834–1849	Muneung (C) Wonheon (Ps)	문응 (文應, C) 원헌 (元軒, Ps)	Heonjong (T)	헌종 (憲宗, T)
25		Yi Byeon	이변 (李昪)	1849–1864	Doseung (C) Daeyongjae (Ps)	도승 (道升, C) 대용재 (大勇齋, Ps)	Cheoljong (T)	철종 (哲宗, T)
26		Yi Myeong-bok Yi Hui	이명복 (李命福) 이희 (李㷩)	1864–1897 (1897–1907) *	Seongrim (C) Juyeon (Ps)	성림 (聖臨, C) 주연 (珠淵, Ps)	Gojong (T) * Emperor Tae (P) *	고종 (高宗, T) * 태황제 (太皇帝, P) *	Gaeguk Geonyang Gwangmu *	개국 (開國) 건양 (建陽) 광무 (光武) *

* see Korean Empire section

Korean Empire

In 1897, King Gojong proclaimed Joseon to be the Korean Empire, which lasted until 1910. Technically, the emperors can be referred to by their era names rather than their temple names, but the latter are commonly used.

#	Portrait	Personal name		Period of reign	Courtesy name (C) / Pseudonym (Ps)		Temple name (廟號) (T) / Posthumous name (諡號) (P)		Era name (年號)
		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja		Westernized	Hangul/Hanja	Westernized	Hangul/Hanja	Westernized	Hangul/Hanja
1		Yi Myeong bok Yi Hui	이명복 (李命福) 이희 (李㷩)	1897–1907	Seongrim (C) Juyeon (Ps)	성림 (聖臨, C) 주연 (珠淵, Ps)	Gojong (T) Emperor Tae (P)	고종 (高宗, T) 태황제 (太皇帝, P)	Gwangmu	광무 (光武)
2		Yi Cheok	이척 (李坧)	1907–1910	Gundang (C) Jeongheon (Ps)	군방 (君邦, C) 정헌 (正軒, Ps)	Sunjong (T) Emperor Hyo (P)	순종 (純宗, T) 효황제 (孝皇帝, P)	Yunghui	융희 (隆熙)

See also

• Family tree of Korean monarchs
• List of Mahan confederacy monarchs
• Prime Minister of the Korean Empire (1895–1910)
• Resident-General of Korea, List of Japanese residents-general of Korea (1905–1910)
• Governor-General of Chōsen, List of Japanese governors-general of Korea (1910–1945)
• Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, List of presidents (1919–1948)
• North Korea (1948–present), Supreme Leader (North Korean title) / List of heads of state of North Korea
• South Korea (1948–present), List of presidents of South Korea

Notes

1. Goguryeo kings had the surname Go, except for the second Yuri through fifth Mobon, whose surnames are recorded as Hae. All of the kings are recorded to belong to the same patrilineal bloodline. It is not clear whether the two surnames are different transcription of the same name, or evidence of a power struggle.
2. The Samguk sagi and Samguk yusa, and sometimes other records mention "other names," "birth names," "childhood names," or "personal names."
3. The king names generally derive from the location of the king's burial, and do not necessarily correspond to the Chinese concept of Posthumous name.
4. The Jolbon line names and dates are from the Samguk sagi. The Wei shu History of the Wei dynasty gives the following names: 朱蒙 Jumong, 閭達 Yeodal, 始閭諧 Shiryeohae, 如栗 Yeoyul, and 莫來 Mangnae. The legendary line had already been formed with some variants in the early 5th century when king Jangsu built a monument for his father and Goguryeo made contact with the Northern Wei. The inscription of that monument gives these names: 鄒牟 Chumo, 儒留 Yuryu, and 大朱留 Daejuryu. The connections between those names are not clear.
5. Goguryeo kings had the surname Go, except for the second (Yuri) through fifth (Mobon), whose surnames are recorded as Hae. All of the kings are recorded to belong to the same patrilineal bloodline. It is not clear whether the two surnames are different transcription of the same name, or evidence of a power struggle.
6. According to the Book of the Later Han, Taejo died in 121, and his son Chadae stepped up.

References

1. Hyung Il Pai (2000). Constructing "Korean" Origins: A Critical Review of Archaeology, Historiography, and Racial Myth in Korean State-formation Theories. Harvard University Asia Center. pp. 89–92. ISBN 978-0-674-00244-9.
2. • Seth, Michael J. (2010). A History of Korea: From Antiquity to the Present. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 443. ISBN 978-0-7425-6717-7.

   "An extreme manifestation of nationalism and the family cult was the revival of interest in Tangun, the mythical founder of the first Korean state... Most textbooks and professional historians, however, treat him as a myth."

   • Stark, Miriam T. (2008). Archaeology of Asia. John Wiley & Sons. p. 49. ISBN 978-1-4051-5303-4.

   "Although Kija may have truly existed as a historical figure, Tangun is more problematical."

   • Schmid, Andre (2013). Korea Between Empires. Columbia University Press. p. 270. ISBN 978-0-231-50630-4.

   "Most treat the myth as a later creation."

   • Peterson, Mark (2009). Brief History of Korea. Infobase Publishing. p. 5. ISBN 978-1-4381-2738-5.

   "The Tangun myth became more popular with groups that wanted Korea to be independent; the Kija myth was more useful to those who wanted to show that Korea had a strong affinity to China."

   • Hulbert, H. B. (2014). The History of Korea. Routledge. p. 73. ISBN 978-1-317-84941-4.

   "If a choice is to be made between them, one is faced with the fact that the Tangun, with his supernatural origin, is more clearly a mythological figure than Kija."

3. Book of later Han,桓帝 延熹四年, 遣使朝賀貢獻. 永康元年,王夫台將二萬餘人寇玄菟, 玄菟太守公孫域擊破之, 斬首千餘級. 至靈帝 熹平三年, 復奉章貢獻. 夫餘本屬玄菟, 獻帝時, 其王求屬遼東云.
4. Record of three kingdoms,時句麗·鮮卑彊度以夫餘在二虜之間妻以宗女。尉仇台死簡位居立。
5. Record of three kingdoms,尉仇台死簡位居立無適子有孽子麻餘位居死諸加共立麻餘
6. Record of three kingdoms
7. 의려. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture.
8. 의라. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture.
9. Il-yeon: Samguk Yusa: Legends and History of the Three Kingdoms of Ancient Korea, translated by Tae-Hung Ha and Grafton K. Mintz. Epilogue, page 354. Silk Pagoda (2006). ISBN 1-59654-348-5 - note: the dates for Geojilmi's reign go there until 344

• Byeon Tae-seop (변태섭) (1999). 韓國史通論 (Hanguksa tongnon) (Outline of Korean history), 4th ed. ISBN 978-89-445-9101-3.
• Cumings, Bruce (1997). Korea's place in the sun. New York: W.W. Norton. ISBN 978-0-393-31681-0.
• Kim, Jung Bae (1997). "Formation of the ethnic Korean nation and the emergence of its ancient kingdom states". Korean history: Discovery of its characteristics and developments. Seoul: Hollym. pp. 27–36. ISBN 978-1-56591-177-2.
• Nahm, Andrew C. (1988). Korea: Tradition and Transformation — A History of the Korean People. Hollym International. ISBN 978-0-930878-56-6.
• https://web.archive.org/web/20031006023320/http://www.rootsinfo.co.kr/index_sub02.html (in Korean only)
• http://www.rulers.org

• Korean monarchs
• Lists of Korean monarchs
• Lists of Korean people
• Lists of monarchs