15세기 서남해 지역 수적(水賊) 출현의 사회적 배경과 활동

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the emergence and activities of the pirates known as Sujeok (水賊), who were active in the southwestern region of Korea in the fifteenth century, to elucidate their nature, and to trace trends in response to government responses. To explore the background to their emergence, this study examines various factors that drove population movements in the southwest sea region. The findings reveal that population shifts in this area were largely influenced by state policies rather than natural factors. As a result, diverse groups, including displaced populations, exiles, and jangri-ho (長籬戶), settled along coastal and island areas, forming the background context for the rise of the Sujeok. One prominent example was the group of Sujeok led by Jang Yeong-gi (張永奇), who utilized the coastal terrain effectively and was skilled in evading combat with government forces. Regarding their activities, five cases of Sujeok with clear names, origins, areas of activity, and actions were extracted from the Joseon Wangjo Sillok (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty) and analyzed. Analysis of the data has made it possible to define Sujeok as ‘Korean bandits with a diverse social status, who were mainly active in close contact with the sea, did not receive any protection from the ruling political power, and operated in small groups.’ During the reign of King Seongjong, Sujeok were active mainly in the southwestern sea region. The Joseon government attempted to employ various measures to deal with the Sujoek, who posed a threat to local rule. To suppress the Sujeok, slave hunting was carried out continuously, fishing activities were strictly controlled, and military facilities were reinforced. The government even launched large-scale military operations as a hardline measure. For example, in 1490 (the 21st year of the reign of King Seongjong), Ryu Sun-jeong was dispatched under the title of Jeollado- Sujeok-Chupo-Gyeongchagwan (全羅道水賊追捕敬差官) to conduct a large-scale military operation. Regarding the Sujeok's movements in response to the Joseon government's measures, several possibilities have been raised based on circumstantial evidence. To summarize the trends, first, there was a group of Sujeok who settled in nearby counties and districts in response to the country's Jaeminhwa (齊民化 – “Civilianization”) policy; second, there was a group who fled inland and became Buyujipdan (浮游集團 – “Floating Groups”); third, there was a group who became Seungdo (僧徒 – “Monks”); fourth, there was a group who scattered to island and coastal areas as individuals or small families; and fifth, there was a group who joined Japanese pirates.