溪堂 鄭悔燦의 학문 성향과 한시 고찰

Abstract

This paper aims to shed light on the life, scholarship, and literary aspects of Gye-dang(溪堂) Jeong Hoe-chan(鄭悔燦, 759∼1831), who was active in the Gochang region of Jeollabuk-do during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. After failing the civil service examination, Jeong Hoe-chan retired to Gye-dang-ri, where he built Gye-dang Pavilion(溪堂亭). There, he devoted himself to continuing his family's scholarly tradition, achieving academic accomplishments, and pouring his efforts into compiling genealogies to establish his family's reputation. He lived the life of a recluse, guiding his descendants with the “Ten Must-Not-Dos” (十毋) and “Ten Must-Dos” (十必). His scholarship can be examined through three main aspects: the continuation of his family's academic tradition and mentorship rooted in the Wooam scholarly network, the inheritance of Yulgok's theory of Li and Qi, and the manifestation of practical Confucian thought focused on governance and utility. Particularly, Jeong Hoe-chan's Neo-Confucian theory, which understood Li and Qi as an integrative relationship, is believed to have significantly influenced the Neo-Confucian theory of Nosa(蘆沙) Gi Jeong-jin(奇正鎭), who advocated for a monistic theory of Li from the perspective of the unity of Li and Qi. His views on the land system were likely aimed at preventing the corruption of the Three Governmental Affairs (三政). Jeong Hoe-chan also reflected his life and scholarship in his literary works. The thoughts and interests expressed in his Chinese poetry can be analyzed in three aspects. First, through reflection and contemplation on Neo-Confucian propositions such as Bright Virtue, Mind, Nature, and Emotion, he demonstrated a rigorous practice of moral cultivation. Second, the poetic enjoyment found in the Eight Views of Gye-dang Pavilion(溪堂八詠) reflects his resolve for scholarly devotion, a sense of mission to remain indifferent to worldly affairs, and his effort to embody the Way through reflective study. Third, his wit and humor, often expressed through a change in perspective, reveal a playful and humane attitude, even in unexpected or difficult situations, opting for cleverness and human warmth instead of anger.