Korean Dictionary
How to say "Yi Seonggye (Taejo)" in Korean
“Yi Seonggye (Taejo)” in Korean is 이성계 (pronounced "i seonggye").
이성계
i seonggye
Usage & Context
Yi Seonggye was a military general who founded the Joseon Dynasty in 1392, taking the name Taejo. He ousted the Goryeo Dynasty and established a new kingdom based on Confucian principles. He moved the capital from Gaeseong to Hanyang (modern Seoul).
Example Sentence
이성계는 조선 왕조를 세운 인물이에요.
Yi Seonggye is the person who founded the Joseon Dynasty.
How to use 이성계 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Yi Seonggye (Taejo)” is 이성계, romanized as i seonggye.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 이성계.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '이' (i), sounds like 'ee' in 'see.' '성' (seong) sounds like 'sung' in 'sunglasses,' but with a slightly more open 'o' sound. '계' (gye) sounds like 'gay' but with a 'y' sound before the 'e,' similar to 'gye' in 'Gyeongju.'
More Example Sentences
Discussing the historical background of a figure.
이성계는 고려 말의 장군이었어요.
Yi Seonggye was a general at the end of Goryeo.
Analyzing the impact of a historical figure.
조선 건국에 이성계의 역할이 컸죠.
Yi Seonggye's role in the founding of Joseon was significant.
Explaining a key event during the early Joseon Dynasty.
태조 이성계는 한양으로 천도했어요.
King Taejo Yi Seonggye moved the capital to Hanyang.
Cultural Context
Yi Seonggye, later known as King Taejo, is a pivotal figure in Korean history, having founded the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. His rise to power involved a military coup against the declining Goryeo Dynasty, notably the 'Wihwado Retreat.' He established a new kingdom based on Neo-Confucian principles, moving the capital to Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). His story is often depicted in historical dramas, highlighting his military prowess and political acumen.
Editorial note
We review entries like 이성계 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
이성계 장군
General Yi Seonggye
이성계의 위화도 회군
Yi Seonggye's Wihwado Retreat
조선을 세운 이성계
Yi Seonggye, who founded Joseon
Related Expressions
조선
joseon
Joseon Dynasty
태조
taejo
King Taejo (founding king)
건국
geonguk
founding of a nation
고려
goryeo
Goryeo Dynasty
More Korean History Words
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