Chang Pogo

Chang Pogo (Korean: 장보고; Hanja: 張保皐; 787–841), whose childhood name was Kungbok or Kungp'a (궁파), was a Sillan who rose to prominence in the Later Silla period of Korea as a powerful maritime figure who effectively controlled the Yellow Sea (West Sea), and dominated the trade between Silla, Heian Japan, and Tang China for decades. His impressive fleet of ships was centered in Wando, an island in South Jeolla Province. So influential a figure did Chang become in late Silla politics that he was granted official office as maritime commissioner of the Cheonghaejin Garrison on Wando and came close to marrying his daughter into the Silla Royal House before his assassination in 841. He was worshipped as a god in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam following his death.