李學逵의 『高麗史』 읽기와 『嶺南樂府』의 창작

Abstract

This article is an attempt to comprehensively understand the aspects of Lee Hak-gyu, an irreplaceable poet and important Silhak scholar of the late Joseon Dynasty. In order to balance the discussion, I focused on his academic formation process and his life as a scholar, which are relatively less illuminated. Lee Hak-gyu was able to enjoy a high-quality academic environment in Seoul until he was 32 years old. However, he was released to Gimhae, Gyeongsang Province, after the Catholic persecution of 1801, and spent the latter part of his life in a kind of academic wasteland. Although he was in a difficult situation where he had no books to refer to or colleagues with whom he could discuss, Lee Hak-gyu maintained his attitude as a scholar and made the most of the books he could obtain, using them as the basis for his writing activities. In addition, he explored historical geography and folk customs using the Gimhae region where he lived and its people as a new subject of study. His poem “Azalea Flower Viewing”, one of his achievements in this field, shows his unique aspect as a cultural anthropologist. In 1808, 39-year-old Lee Hak-gyu acquired History of Goryeo, which became an important turning point for him to create new works and write. Based on his experience reading this book, Lee Hak-gyu set out to understand the past of the Yeongnam region where he actually resides and to explore the context of history that continues to the present. Yuefu Poetry of Yeongnam, written during this period is noted as the first result of such work. Poems such as “An Iron Octopus” and “A Group of People Drinking Soju” included in this historical poetry collection continue the criticism of vicious exploiters included in History of Goryeo. At the same time, these poems clearly embody the anger of the ruled class by allowing the people who suffered damage to speak out directly. Lee Hak-gyu's poetic achievements based on History of Goryeo eloquently demonstrate his unrivaled position as a poet and historian.