Jo Eom (1719–1777) was a Korean civil minister (munsin) in the 18th century during the late Joseon Dynasty. He was also diplomat and ambassador, representing Joseon interests to the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan. He is credited with introducing the cultivation of potatoes as a food staple in Korea in the mid-18th century.

Biography

Jo Eom was of the Pungyang Jo clan, and his father was Jo Sang-gyeong with the title of Ijo panseo (a Minister of Personnel, 이조판서, 吏曹判書). He later married a half-aunt of Lady Hyegyeong and became the great-grandfather to the future Queen Shinjeong through his eldest son. In 1738, he passed saengwonsi, the state examination, with a low grade. In 1752, he passed high grade examination (Jeongsi) and served for the government as the Jeongeon, and became Gyori , administrator of Dongnae and Amhaengeosa (Secret governmental inspectors) of Chungcheong province in 1757. In 1760, he suggested to established three Jochang (조창, 漕倉, storehouse) in southern Gyeongsang province, which contributed to the economic development of the region. He also became Daesaheon, Bujehak and Yejo chamui. King Yeongjo sent a diplomatic mission to Japan (Joseon Tongsinsa) in 1764. This embassy to the court of Tokugawa Ieharu was led by Jo Eom. This diplomatic mission functioned to the advantage of both the Japanese and the Koreans as a channel for developing a political foundation for bilateral trade. He brought in a foreign crop, the sweet potato, and grew it in Dongnae and Jeju Island. He was appointed Uigeumbu jisa, Ijo panseo and Jehak. Soon after that, he became Pyongando Gwanchalsa, the governor of Pyongan province. After his return to court, Jo Eom was appointed Daesagan and Ijo panseo. In 1777, he was entrapped and banished to Wiwon, northern Pyongan region, by Hong Guk-yeong's faction. Later, he was transferred to Gimhae, southern Gyeongsang region, and died there. Jo's writings and memoirs are preserved in the Haesa ilgi (Diary of Overseas Mission, 해사일기, 海槎日記) and Haehaeng chongjae.

Family

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