Jo Eom
Jo Eom (; 1719 – 1777) was a Korean civil minister ("munsin") in the 18th century during the late period of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). 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 was Jo Sang-gyeong with the title of "Ijo panseo" (a Minister of Personnel, 이조판서, 吏曹判書). In 1738, he passed "saengwonsi , the state examination, with a low grade. In 1752, he passed high grade examination (Jeongsi") and served for the government as the "Jeongeon" (정언, 正言), and became "Gyori" (교리, 校理), administrator of Dongnae and "Amhaengeosa" (Secret governmental inspectors) of Chungcheong province, in the 1757. In 1760, he suggested to established three "Jochang" (조창, 漕倉, storehouse) in southern Gyeongsang province, which was contributed development of economic in this region. He also became "Daesaheon" (대사헌, 大司憲), "Bujehak" (부제학, 副提學) and "Yejo chamui" (예조참의, 禮曹參議). King Yeongjo sent a diplomatic mission to Japan ("Joseon Tongsinsa") 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" (의금부지사, 義禁府知事), "Ijo panseo" and "Jehak" (제학, 提學). 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" (대사간, 大司諫) 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" ("Diary of Overseas Mission", 해사일기, 海槎日記) and "Haehaeng chongjae" (해행총재, 海行摠載).