Cho Yŏnggyu

Cho Yŏnggyu (Korean: 조영규; Hanja: 趙英圭; 1535–15th day, 4th month of 1592) was a Korean military leader of the mid-Joseon period. He is remembered for his death in battle the early stages of the Imjin War while serving as Magistrate of Yangsan.

Born in Jangseong in 1535, Cho Yŏnggyu passed the military examination in 1554. He began his official career as Officer in the Military Training Office and subsequently held various posts in both central and provincial administration. Following the death of his father, he temporarily withdrew from government service to observe the prescribed three-year mourning period. Upon resuming his duties, he served as Magistrate in multiple counties and became noted for his consistent care and devotion to his mother, whom he personally attended throughout his appointments. In 1592, he was appointed Magistrate of Yangsan.

On the 14th day of the 4th month in 1592, when Japanese forces launched their assault on Busan, Cho Yŏnggyu led his troops to Dongnae Fortress, where he joined Song Sanghyŏn in preparing for its defense. He then briefly returned to Yangsan to bid farewell to his elderly mother and instructed his son, Cho Chŏngno, to escort her back to their hometown. He subsequently broke through Japanese encirclement to rejoin the defenders at Dongnae.

Following intense combat, the fortress fell to Japanese forces, and Cho Yŏnggyu was killed in action. His son later held a symbolic funeral, as the remains could not be recovered. In the years that followed, Cho's acts of filial devotion and public service came to wider recognition. He was posthumously honored with an honorary gates and promoted to Vice Minister of Taxation. He was later enshrined at Chungnyeolsa in Yangsan, Moam Seowon in Jangseong, and Chungnyeolsa in Busan.