Jeonju Yi clan


The Jeonju Yi clan is a Korean clan with the surname Yi. Their Bon-gwan is in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. The clan includes the former imperial House of Yi.
Their founder was Yi Han who worked as Minister of Works in Silla. His descendant, Yi Seong-gye, seized power in a military coup and founded Joseon in 14th century. According to history books published during Joseon period such as Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty, he actually worked as Minister of Works in Silla, and he was the ancestor of a prestigious powerful clan that held influence from Unified Silla period to Goryeo period. On the other hand, there were records that he was an immigrant from China. This is because the Jeonju Yi clan’s record named Wansan silrok said that Yi Han originally lived in China, but he went to Silla. Moreover, another record named Origin of Lee clan said that Yi Han was originally a descendant of Tang dynasty’s imperial family and lived in Jeonju after Yi Han came to Silla. In addition, the ancestor of Yi Han is one of the six Shilla surnames, and he is a descendant of Yangsan village head. In Joseon period, Jongbusi, one of the government’s organizations, managed their records.

Notable People

Lee Hee-ho