金鉤의 생애와 [歸山金先生實記]의 성격

Abstract

This article examines the lifetime of Kim Gu (金鉤, 1379~1462) who left a great footmark in Confucianism education from the period of Segong (世宗) till that of Sejo (世祖) and the characteristics of <Guisankimseonsaengsilgi (歸山金先生實記)> in which his achievements are recorded. Kim Gu is an important figure to understand education and the trend of public thought in early Joseon. However, studies on basic particulars about him have been barely conducted up to now such as his date of birth or death, place of birth, or the background of his death. The facts that have been discovered through this research can be summarized as below. It has been known until now that Kim Gu was the descendant of Kim Gyun-Kim Maengseong, the representative blue-blooded family of Gyeongju Kim in early Joseon. However, it was turned out that it was manipulated by his posterity; in fact, Kim Gu might be of humble origin. Moreover, unlike what is written in <Guisankimseon- saengsilgi>, Kim Gu participated in Sejo’s administration and became a meritorious subject. He even held the post of Panjungchubusa. His downfall and unexpected death were not resulted from his objection to the abolition of Asanhyeon (牙山縣) but caused by his sudden alienation from Sejo due to the matter related with the government post. The only material that informs us of Kim Gu’s achievements is <Guisankim- seonsaengsilgi>. Although great details about him are compiled in it, this book also presents numerous errors. Unlike what is recorded in <Guisankimseonsaengsilgi>, Kim Gu did not fill the official positions like Daejehak or Daesaseong. He was not a loyal subject of Danjong (端宗), either. The literary work was made up by his descendants with the purpose to deny his performances in the period of Sejo and make him as a symbol of loyalty.