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

Biography

The birth and death dates of Pak Sŏ-saeng are unknown. Pak belonged to the Bian Pak clan, and his grandfather was Pak Yun-bo and his father was Pak Chŏm who served as a senior colonel. Pak Sŏ-saeng's art name was Yuljŏng, and his courtesy name was Yŏsang. He learned Neo-Confucianism from Kil Chae, one of the great Neo-Confucian scholars 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 Sŏ-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 Sŏ-saeng was enshrined in the Gucheon Seowon in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang. Pak's writings are preserved in the Yaeun-eonhaengnok.