Jo Eom


Jo Eom was a Korean civil minister in the 18th century during the late period of the Korean Joseon Dynasty.
He was also diplomat and ambassador, representing Joseon interests in the 11th Edo period diplomatic mission 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 is Jo Sang-gyeong with the title of Ijo panseo.
In 1738, he passed saengwonsi, the state examination, with a low grade. In 1752, he passed high grade examination and served for the government as the Jeongeon, and became Gyori, administrator of Dongnae and Amhaengeosa of Chungcheong province, in the 1757. In 1760, he suggested to established three Jochang in southern Gyeongsang province, which was contributed development of economic in this region. He also became Daesaheon, Bujehak and Yejo chamui.
King Yeongjo sent a diplomatic mission to Japan in 1764. This embassy to 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 trade. He brought in foreign crop, a sweet potato, and grew 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. However, he took away all power by accusation.
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 are preserved in the Haesa ilgi and Haehaeng chongjae.