申景濬의 국토지리관과 海路·船舶에 대한 인식

Abstract

This writing is intended for the analysis of the notion of the territorial geography which was held by the erudite scholar, Shin Kyoung-Joon(申景濬, 1712-1781) and for the consideration of his view on the sea. He was a practical scholar who had left prominent accomplishments in various areas, and even in his academic world we could sense an undercurrent of strong national consciousness and affection for the country. To sum up his view on the territorial geography, he clearly revealed his national consciousness by regarding Mount Paektu as the ancestor of the three countries; Korea, China and Japan. And instead of focusing on the mountains, he impartially appreciated the mountains and the rivers as complementary factors. Having a full recognition of the importance of the sea which surrounds our country, he wrote 'Yeonhaego(沿海考)'-the first technical book on the coastal areas- with a special interest in the coastal lines and the sea routes. It was the product of his idea that is called Eyonghoosang(利用厚生); a branch of ideas to enhance the strength of the country and enrich the people. As he fully understood the importance of the sea in the territorial geography, he also paid a special attention to the work that improved the system of the vessels and rearranged the sea route. Shin Kyoung-Joon who understood the importance of the roads in managing the territory rearranged them systematically by writing 'Dorogo(道路考)'. In this book, he included the sea routes for the vessels as well as the inland roads, and discussed them. In addition, for the improvement of the vessel system, he provided the manufacturing process and expressed his opinion about the management of the battleships. He said that his consideration for the machinery like warships and wagons was for the implementation of the real value in his age. While he called the machinary, which improved the strength of the national defence and enriched the wealth of the people ,Youhyoungjido(有形之道), he criticized that it was meaningless to concentrate on the Moohyoungjido(無形之道) without any concerning for the Youhyoungjido During the late 18th century, the superiority of the western vessels was partially known by the envoys from Beijing. But it is difficult to find the trace of the acceptance of the western vessels' excellency in his writings. so we can presume that his concern for the sea routes and the vessels was formed independently by his notion of the territorial geography that set a high value on the trade of the road and the sea.