Se-jong
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King Sejong was a skilled swordsman and often referred to the sword. Like other warriors, he believed that life's problems could be solved in shaping the mind and body through the discipline of the sword. Similar to many modern martial artists and warriors, he pursued his craft for physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. In the same letter as quoted above, he addressed the creation of devising the phonic alphabet, again using a fencing metaphor:
"When I spar with the sword, I must judge to attack quickly, giving no quarter with ferocity, or to carefully assess my opponent's weaknesses, and land telling blows judiciously. Your problem - and indeed all of life's difficulties - can be seen in this light. I have no doubts that my sword will cut. It is up to my judgment based on experience and training to know how and when to lay the blade. I trust your experience and training will also lead you to a successful resolution of this problem."
As a true warrior, King Sejong practiced the ways of war, but preferred peace. An entry from his journal states:
"The sword is a weapon of peace. With this sword I stand ready to defend my lineage, my family, my friends, and always, always our blessed country."