Hwang Yun-gil
# Hwang Yun-gil

Hwang Yun-gil (Korean: 황윤길; 1536–?), also known as Hwang Yun'gil, was a Korean diplomat and ambassador. He was a member of the Western faction in the Joseon court. He represented Joseon interests in a tongsinsa (diplomatic mission or corresponding envoys) to Sengoku period in Japan when it was controlled by strongman Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

## 1590 mission to Japan

In 1590-1591, King Seonjo of Joseon sent a mission to Japan led by Hwang Yun-gil, accompanied by Kim Seong-il and Heo Seong. The chronology of this diplomatic embassy encompassed:

* September 1589 (22nd year of King Seonjo's rule: Gimi year): Dispatch of tongsinsa to Japan decided upon by the Joseon court.
* March 1590 (23rd year of King Seonjo's rule: Gyeongin year): The tongsinsa were sent to Japan.
* January 1591 (24th year of King Seonjo's rule: Sinmyo year): Hwang Yun-gil and others returned the port Busan.

A diplomatic mission conventionally consisted of three primary figures—the main envoy, the vice-envoy, and a document official. Also included were one or more official writers or recorders who created a detailed account of the mission. In 1607, Hwang Yun-gil was the main envoy; and he was accompanied by Kim Sŏng-il, who was the vice-ambassador, and Hŏ Son, who was the document official.

