<태원지> 연구

Abstract

This study identifies Taewonji, known as a Chinese novel, as a Korean one based on such elements as glorifying Joseon, negative descriptions about the Chinese, and some details in Dongmongseonseup directly mentioned in the work. Also, it is supported by the fact that Taewonji includes the relative understanding of the world which started to spread at the late period of the Joseon Dynasty. Covering the exploration of the ocean and the process of founding the country, Taewonji seems partly related to Samgukjiyeoneui. And, in the process of founding the country, Providence works as a very important factor. It is clear that anyone can be an emperor or a king with Providence; however, the problem is that it is China where Providence is realized. In Taewonji, the place where Providence is realized is Taewon, a fictitious country because barbarians who govern China has it. It argues that they should be admitted with Providence even though there are barbarians in China. This shows that barbarian China itself exists from Providence, which Joseon intellectuals has denied. Recognition of barbarians like this has something in common with that of the Bukhak school while against traditional Hwaigwan, or Sinocentrism. Especially, this kind of view in the work derives from the point of view that regards China as a relative place in the world. Recognition of the barbarian Ching often appears in the novels at the late period of Joseon such as Wanghoijeon and Jingsebitaerok.