Abstract

Joseon’s founding was a period of division in history, focusing on the transition from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty. Maengam Kim Yeong-reol(孟巖 金英烈) was born during the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty and was an active member of the military during the reign of King Taejong(太宗). When employed in the government post of the Joseon Dynasty, Kim Yeong-reol worked mainly as a naval commander. In addition, he made a significant contribution to the naval forces of Gyeonggi-do following the Japanese invasion, which was one of the biggest military incidents at the time. Subsequently, since he had a favorable political position with Lee Bang-won(李芳遠), the Central Three Military Division(三軍府) took charge of the actual mobilization of troops before the second prince rebellion(2次 王子亂) occurred. Having contributed to the suppression of the prince’s rebellion, Kim Yeong-reol gained a reputation and status as a Jwamyeong meritorious retainer(佐命功臣). During the Taejong era, Kim Yeong-reol was responsible for maritime policy and defense within the national defense policies and oversaw the three-do naval forces, in addition to the Gyeonggi-do naval forces. There are three factors of note regarding Kim Yeong-reol’s military activities: 1) the naval commander contributed to eradicating the appearance of Japanese pirates; 2) he participated in the second prince rebellion and contributed to Yi Bang-won(李芳遠)’s victory as the commander of the central three military division; and 3) he participated in the suppression of the Josaui(趙思義) rebellion and captured the leader and dedicated the act to King Taejong.