『丙子擾錄』을 통해 본 조일수호조규 체결

Abstract

In this article, the contents of the Byeongja yorok, which is kept in the National Library of Korea, were analyzed. This text contains documents relating to the negotiations between Joseon and Japan from the occurrence of the Unyo (雲揚) Incident in September of 1875 to the signing of the Joseon-Japan Treaty of Amity in February of 1876. This book contains a number of documents that overlap with previously known documents of the Joseon Dynasty, such as Simhaeng ilgi (沁行日記) written by Shin Heon (申櫶) and Ulbyeong ilgi (乙丙日記) by an unknown author. After careful examination, we found that this book also includes documents from Joseon that were not found in the two documents mentioned. Considering that the book contains the official documents and documents that were not included in the Simhaeng ilgi and Ulbyeong ilgi, it provides detailed information on the position and the response of Joseon in negotiations ahead of the signing of the Joseon-Japan Treaty of Amity. With reference to Byeongja yorok, this article could restore what the Hundo (訓導, language officer) Hyeon Seok-un (玄昔運) had said when he protested to the Japanese official regarding the movements of the Japanese military. His mention includes the unauthorized leave of Japanese naval forces from the Japanese settlement established in Busan (倭館, Waegwan), which was led by Rear Admiral Kuranosuke Nakamuta (中牟田倉之助), the following damage to Koreans, and the strong protest by Hyeon Seok-un against the Japanese who caused the Unyo incident. However, Hyeon could not achieve his goal because Japanese officials were told not to respond to the protest. In addition, various records showed how Joseon officials recognized and reacted to signs related to the Japanese flag. There were many complaints made by the Joseon Dynasty over the incident caused by Japan which were hardly commented upon in the Japanese records. Many times Joseon and Japan selected records by focusing on their respective positions and interests. Therefore, it is necessary to cross check to verify Japan’s records using materials from the Joseon Dynasty, such as Byeongja yorok, further balancing the description concerning the process involved in the signing of the treaty in 1876.