16세기 예안현 사족들의 修學과 관직진출

Abstract

The primary objective of the youths' studies during the Joseon dynasty period was to pass the national examination and be appointed to a governmental post. During the 16th century, the number of intellectuals increased, yet opportunities allowed to them regarding being appointed or assigned to governmental posts actually decreased. The competition among students applying for the national examination became much more fierce. In the meantime, Neo-Confucianism(性理學) was being spreaded, and a new trend, which indicated the applicants' intention to avoid studies merely aimed at passing the national examination, emerged. As a result, the youth population, which constituted a large body of applicants for the national examination, had to make a hard choice. What would have been the difference between the 'Geoeob' practice, and ordinary studies aimed at the passing of a national examination? What made people consider Geoeob very importantly was the heightened value of rising in the world, and gaining fame. So, avenues to being admitted to a governmental post other than applying for a national examination, or avenues to gaining fame other than being admitted to governmental posts, would have forced the people to reevaluate the cause of Geoeob than only considering it as the ultimate avenue. How the conflicts regarding this Geoeob would have been resolved in the Joseon society during the 16th century? In this article, this question is addressed in terms of the Sajok figures who lived in the Yaean region of the Gyeongsang-do province.