조선시대 기근과 전염병에 따른 학교와 과거제의 운영: 17세기 후반 소빙하기를 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how schools and past systems were operated in the context of national disasters during the Joseon Dynasty. This study identified how schools and civil service examination systems were dealt with, focusing on famine and infectious diseases that affected the country among the various disasters. During the Joseon Dynasty, when a national disaster occurred, the school and the civil service examination system were changed by referring to the precedent. First of all, the school postponed or reduced the scale of various school events such as a Gongdohoi(公都會), Gyosaenggogang(校生考講), and Jakheonrye(酌獻禮). In the event of famine, the operation of the civil service examination system was also adjusted according to the situation, and measures were taken such as cancellation of the past examination, adjustment of the schedule, change of the way the test was conducted, and reduction and prohibition of celebrations for successful applicants. These measures are aimed at reducing the burden on students, reducing the nation's expenses, and keeping the overall atmosphere of society struggling to recover from disasters. This is similar to today's situation in which COVID-19 reduced school events and delayed tests. Considering the fact that the government dealt with the disaster in the Joseon Dynasty by referring to various precedents, it is still important to make a well-organized manual for the next generation to refer to the disaster situation today.