Most Famous Korean Historical Figures
Korea’s history is full of remarkable figures who shaped the country’s culture, politics, science, and art.
From wise kings and brave admirals to brilliant scholars and passionate activists, these individuals left a legacy that is still felt today.
In this updated 2025 list, we look at 13 of the most famous Korean people in history – those whose lives continue to inspire generations in Korea and around the world.
#1. Sejong the Great (1397 –1450) – Monarch
Sejong the Great (10 April 1397 – 17 February 1450) greatly contributed to Korea. He was a remarkable ruler and is also known for inventing the Korean alphabet. King Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty. During his reign, he achieved significant accomplishments in politics, economics, culture, and defense. The foundation of his rule was always his love and sympathy for ordinary people.
#2. Yi Sun-sin (1545–1598) –Admiral
Yi Sun-sin is another great man in the history of Korea of all time. He saved Korea from Japan. Yi Sun-sin was born on April 28, 1545, and died on December 16, 1598.
He fought in around 23 successful naval battles during the war, often facing bigger fleets and shortages. His most famous win was at the Battle of Myeongnyang, where he defeated 333 Japanese ships with just 13 of his own, without losing any. Yi died in battle on December 16, 1598.
Yi is celebrated as one of the greatest naval commanders ever, admired for his clever strategies and brave leadership. He’s a revered figure in Korean history.
#3. Yi Hwang (1501–1570) – Korean philosopher
Yi Hwang is considered the most important philosopher in Korean history of all time. He was not only a philosopher but also a writer and Confucian scholar of the Joseon period.
As a Neo-Confucian scholar, Yi Hwang founded the Yeongnam School and established the Dosan Seowon, a private Confucian academy. Yi Hwang is often referred to as Toegye (“Retreating Creek”). His main work, “Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning,” has been translated into many languages.
During the invasion of Korea, some of his writings were taken by the Japanese military.
#4. Jang Yeong-Sil (Korean Scientist)
Jang Yeong is a remarkable historical figure in Korean history, renowned for inventing the world’s first gauge called “Cheugugi.” He was a Korean mechanical engineer, scientist, and inventor during the Joseon Dynasty. Jang Yeong was highly talented and is considered to have made significant contributions to the technological advancements of the era.
#5. Shin Saimdang (1504–1551) – Korean painter
Shin Saimdang (29 October 1504 – 17 May 1551) was a Korean artist, writer, calligraphist, and poet who lived during the Joseon period. Born in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, her birth home, Ojukheon, is still preserved today. She was the mother of the Korean Confucian scholar Yi Yi and was often seen as a model of Confucian ideals, earning her the respectful nickname Eojin (“Wise Mother”). Her real name was Shin In-seon, and she used pen names like Saim, Saimdang, Inimdang, and Imsajae. She was a contemporary of the poet Heo Nansseolheon, and the two women were considered rivals.
#6. Queen Seondeok (Korean Queen)
Queen Seondeok of Silla, born in 580 or 610 – 20 February 647/January 8, was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, reigning from 632 to 647.
She was Silla’s 27th ruler and its first queen. Queen Seondeok encouraged a cultural revival in Silla and was known for her wisdom and kindness. She promoted Buddhism, fostered talent, and built relations with the Tang Dynasty, paving the way for Korea’s unification. She’s celebrated as one of Korea’s greatest monarchs.
#7. Yu Gwan-sun (1902–1920) – Korean activist
Yu Gwan-sun, born December 16, 1902, is significantly famous for the Korean Independent Movement. She played a significant role in South Chungcheong during the March 1st Movement protests against Japanese colonial rule. Her activism has made her one of the most famous Korean independence activists and a symbol of the movement.
#8. King Gojong (1852–1919) – Monarch
King Gojong was the 26th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty and the first Emperor of the Korean Empire.
He proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897 in an attempt to modernize and strengthen the country during a time of political pressure from foreign powers.
Despite his efforts at reform and modernization, Korea faced colonization soon after, but his reign is remembered as the last attempt to preserve Korean sovereignty.
#9. Heo Jun (1539–1615) – Physician
Heo Jun served as a royal physician during the Joseon Dynasty and is regarded as one of the greatest medical scholars in Korean history.
He compiled the Dongui Bogam, a comprehensive medical encyclopedia that focused on traditional Korean and East Asian medicine. His contributions continue to influence Korean traditional medicine to this day, earning him respect throughout East Asia.
#10. Kim Hong-do (1745–1806) – Painter
Kim Hong-do, also known as Danwon, was one of Korea’s most celebrated painters during the 18th century.
He is best known for his genre paintings, which vividly captured scenes of everyday life, work, and leisure among common people. His works remain a valuable record of Joseon society and continue to be admired for their artistic quality and historical significance.
#11. Kim Ku (1876–1949) – Independence Activist
Kim Ku was a prominent leader in Korea’s fight for independence during the Japanese colonial period. He served as the president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in exile and spent much of his life organizing resistance movements.
Kim Ku is remembered as a symbol of patriotism, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of the Korean independence movement.
#12. Heungseon Daewongun (1820–1898) – Political Leader
Heungseon Daewongun, the father of King Gojong, acted as regent during a crucial period in Korean history. He implemented reforms to strengthen the central government, rebuilt palaces, and sought to protect Korea from foreign influence.
Although controversial, his leadership marked a significant era of internal reform and resistance against Western powers.
#13. Yi I (1536–1584) – Scholar
Known by his pen name Yulgok, Yi I was a leading Confucian scholar and politician of the Joseon Dynasty. He wrote extensively on moral philosophy, education, and governance, and his works remain influential in Korean thought today.
Yi I is also featured on the Korean 5,000-won banknote, showing how much his intellectual contributions are valued.
