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.^[1] 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.^[2]

1590 mission to Japan

Between 1590 and 1591, King Seonjo of Joseon sent a mission to Japan led by Hwang Yun-gil, accompanied by Kim Seong-il and Heo Seong.^[3] 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.^[3]
• March 1590 (23rd year of King Seonjo's rule: Gyeongin year): The tongsinsa were sent to Japan.^[3]
• January 1591 (24th year of King Seonjo's rule: Sinmyo year): Hwang Yun-gil and others returned the port Busan.^[3]

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.^[4] 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.^[5]