󰡔교남공적(嶠南公蹟)󰡕 등을 통해 본1871년 ‘영해동학 혁명’－이필제를 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the value and significance of 󰡔Gyonam gongjeok(교남공적)󰡕, which deals with the Yeonghae Donghak Revolution(영해동학혁명) in 1871. Previous studies on the Yeonghae Donghak Revolution have focused primarily on 󰡔Doweongi-seo(도원기서/道源記書)󰡕, a work centered around Choi Si-hyeong(최시형). To fully understand the Yeonghae Donghak Revolution, it is essential to begin with a critical examination of this historical source. For this, actively utilizing 󰡔Gyo-nam Gong-jeok󰡕 is necessary. Through Gyo-nam Gong-jeok, the following facts can be confirmed: (1) Lee Pil-je was responsible for organizing and planning the Yeonghae Donghak Revolution. Lee Pil-je played a central role in attracting key figures to the revolution. His aim was aligned with the vision presented by Donghak, which led to the participation of educated members of the ruling class in Yeonghae, particularly Confucian scholars who joined the movement. (2) Choi Si-hyeong contributed to securing funds and creating the list of revolutionaries, and participated in the revolution itself. His involvement included practical aspects such as fundraising and collaborating on the formation of the rebel forces, demonstrating his active role in the movement. (3) After the revolution in Yeonghae, Lee Pil-je moved towards the Uljin(울진) region to expand the revolution, as planned with Nam Du-byeong(남두병). Despite initial success, many Donghak followers were captured in Sangjuk- hyeon(상죽현), effectively weakening the revolution. Nam Du-byeong, who had originally collaborated with Lee Pil-je, later changed his stance and proposed a plan to suppress Donghak followers, ultimately leading to his execution. Similarly, Park Young-gwan(박영관), who had been active in the revolution, also betrayed the Donghak cause by handing over the list of revolutionaries to the authorities. This represents a betrayal similar to that of Nam Du-byeong. (4) Unlike the 500 people mentioned in Doweongi-seo, only around 100 people participated in the revolution in Yeonghae. This significant difference sheds light on the actual scale of the movement and the discrepancy in the number of participants as recorded in different sources. (5) The recruitment logic for participants, centered around family and kinship, can be understood in two ways. One important aspect is that the participants in the Yeonghae Donghak Revolution recognized Lee Pil-je as their leader, or "Yi-in(理人)," showing the strong familial and hierarchical bonds that influenced participation. (6) Among the 31 people who were executed as “public executioners,” 13 named Kim Jin-gyun(김진균), and 6 identified Kang Sa-won(강사원) as the individuals who gathered the revolutionary Army. Based on these testimonies, the Chief Justice, Park Je-gwan(박제관), concluded that Kim Jin-gyun was responsible for the executions, and Kang Sa-won was the one who organized the revolutionary Army . (7) The claim that Lee Jeong-hak(이정학) had testified about the Yeongdeok advance was later proven false, based on the testimony of Lee Gun-hyeop(이군협). Therefore, the previous research which suggested that Kang Sa-won opposed the revolution no longer holds true. (8) The 32 people known to have been executed in the revolution were actually 27, according to 󰡔Gyonamgongjeok󰡕. This correction provides a more accurate understanding of the scope of the revolution's consequences. In summary, The 󰡔Gyonamgongjeok󰡕 provides significant insights into the Yeonghae Donghak Revolution in 1871, offering a revised understanding of the key figures, events, and dynamics of the movement. The research based on this text challenges previous interpretations and contributes to a more nuanced view of the revolution, making it a critical resource for understanding the true nature of the Donghak movement in its formative stages.