1711년 신묘약조 성립에 대한 고찰

Abstract

The diplomatic capabilities of Joseon as well as the diplomatic attitude of Joseon toward Japan were scrutinized by tracing the series of processes to conclude the Shinmyo Agreement between Joseon and Japan to punish prostitution. Prostitution, a main topic of the Shinmyo Agreement, was a diplomatically emerging issue due to the social and cultural differences between the two countries. Joseon rigorously punished prostitution, not only domestically but also in Waegwan. However, when Dongraebu protested against prostitution, the head of Waegwan appealed and explained that contact and prostitution between foreign men and women were generously allowed in Japan. As there was a cultural gap between the two countries, it was meaningful that the gap was reduced to reach the Shinmyo Agreement. Joseon had a strong will to resolve the prostitution incident in 1707, which directly led to the Shinmyo Agreement. Joseon unfolded various diplomatic strategies after failing to reach an agreement to punish the prostituted Japanese with the death penalty through Munwihaeng in 1708. Especially, Joseon pressed Tsushima by writing diplomatic documents to point out Tsushima’s diplomatic indiscretion, reviewing the issue of punishment for the prostituted Japanese, and raising arguments on the issue of the Uncheondae Doseo that was requested by Tsushima. Accordingly, Tshushima changed its attitude from a passive stance against prostitution to an attitude of arresting prostituted Japanese and further developed an agreement to treat the prostitution issue same as the Joseon. Although this change of attitude did not immediately lead to the signing of an agreement, it was important progress to induce Tshushima’s response to Joseon’s punishment of the prostituted Japanese. Meanwhile, the changes of Joseon to make an agreement for handling the prostitution problem served as an opportunity for Tsushima to realize that Joseon’s policy against Japan had been significantly changed. Therefore, Tsushima realized that the previous diplomatic approach - forcefully pushing without discernment - was not effective, so they needed to find a new diplomatic approach against Joseon.