Bak Seo-saeng

Bak Seo-saeng (?–?) was a Korean civil minister (munsin) in the 15th century during the early period of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Bak was also diplomat and ambassador, representing Joseon interests in the Tongsinsa to the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan.

Biography
The birth and death dates of Bak Seo-saeng are unknown. However, he is of the Bian (Uiseong) Bak clan, and his grandfather is Bak Yun-bo and his father is Bak Jeom with the title of Jungnyangjang (a military post).

He learned confucianism from Gil Jae, one of the great neo-Confucianism scholar of Korea. In 1401, he passed gwageo, the state examination, with a low grade. In 1407, he passed high grade examination and served for the government as the Jeongeon, and became Byeongjo Jwarang, the next year. In 1419, he was appointed Jipui, and he was promoted as Daesaseong in 1426.

King Sejong the Great sent a diplomatic mission to Japan (Joseon Tongsinsa) in 1428. This embassy to court of Ashikaga Yoshinori was led by Pak Seo-saeng. Its purpose was to respond to a message sent to the Joseon court by the Japanese shogun. In 1430, he was appointed Jiphyeonjeon bujehak. Soon after that, he became Gongjo chamui and Byeongjo chamui, minister of Yukjo, the Six Ministries. In 1432, he was appointed the administrator of Andong.

After his death, Pak Seo-saeng was enshrined in the Gucheon Seowon in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang. Pak's writings are preserved in the Yaeun-eonhaengnok.