Styles and titles in Joseon

During the Joseon period, royal titles and styles (forms of address) had been extensive and complex. The general title of the monarch was king until Gojong crowned himself emperor, a title that was only allowed for Chinese emperors. Official titles came with official forms of address, depending on who the addressee was and by whom they were addressed.

Naming
When a prince became king, he was addressed as such, personal names were not used. After the death of a king, he was given several names. One is the temple name, which was given when the spirit tablet was placed at the Jongmyo Shrine. This is the name by which historians usually refer to Joseon kings. The myoho could end in either jo or jong. The preceding syllable was an adjective suitable for the king. The other name was the posthumous name. This is a longer name, made up of adjectives characteristic of the king's rule. For example, King Gyeongjong's posthumous name was King Deokmun Ikmu Sunin Seonhyo the Great, while his temple name was Gyeongjong.

Titles and styles
Forms of address were combined with names, titles or both, for example:
 * Jusang Jeonha (주상 전하; His Majesty the King)
 * Jungjeon Mama (중전 마마; Her Royal Highness the Queen)
 * Seja Jeoha (세자 저하; His Royal Highness the Crown Prince)
 * Wangja Agissi [in childhood] (왕자 아기씨; His Young Highness the Prince) then Daegun Jaga / Daegam [in adulthood] (대군 자가 / 대감; His Highness / His Excellency the Grand Prince)
 * Gongju Agissi [in childhood] (공주 아기씨; Her Young Highness the Royal Princess) then Gongju Jaga [in adulthood] (공주 자가; Her Highness the Royal Princess)

Concubines
Each royal consort in the inner palace had a certain rank, according to which their titles and forms of address were formulated.