활 쏘는 조선시대 문신: 문신삭시사(文臣朔試射) 제도 연구

Abstract

This study examines the archery test policy for literati officials during the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on its distinctive features and educational implications. Through a comprehensive examination of the policy's implementation, regulatory framework, and historical documentation, this study seeks to unravel the policy's distinctive features and its educational implications for literati officials. The policy mandated a monthly evaluation of officials' archery skills, with rewards like promotions or horses for top performers, while non-participation could lead to penalties, including the potential loss of one's official position. This prompts questions about the rationale behind this practice and the role of archery in literati education. The art of archery, one of the "six arts" (六藝), was a foundational component of self-cultivation in ancient China. The Joseon Dynasty adopted archery as a means to shape literati officials' character. Cultivation and introspection were prized qualities for competent leaders, and the government established this policy to translate such ideals into practical action. Notably, the monarch's personal involvement in overseeing the tests, a practice known as "Chinlim" (親臨), underscored its significance. The policy aimed at realizing Neo-Confucian ideals where self-cultivation was crucial for governance. Despite its central role in the Joseon Dynasty's education system, the policy's distinct traits and educational importance remain underexplored. This study fills this gap by shedding light on the less-discussed aspects of the bureaucratic re-education system. This research will provide insights into the archery test's role in shaping literati officials' development within the Joseon Dynasty's bureaucracy. The investigation of this historical policy can deepen our understanding of the mechanisms that influenced the literati officials’ education and the bureaucratic structure of the time.