중종대 향약 논의의 전개와 지방통치

Abstract

This paper examines the discussion of hyangyak during the reign of King Jungjong, reconsidering its significance. While conventional scholarship has largely interpreted hyangyak through the lens of its Chinese counterpart, which is characterized by its local and voluntary aspects, this paper seeks to analyze the background, process, and points of debate surrounding hyangyak within the historical context of the Joseon Dynasty. Additionally, this paper aims to explore the nature of hyangyak and its implications in relation to the state’s local governance policies in the 16th century Joseon. Within the continuity of local governance in the 15th century, the spread of hyangyak featured a significant reliance on the existing ruling system, leading to a clash with its inherent characteristics. This resulted in a divergence between the original essence of hyangyak and its method of dissemination. The debates surrounding hyangyak focused not on its introduction per se, but rather on the preservation of its original intent versus its strong institutionalization. In fact, proponents of hyangyak’s adoption advocated strongly for its institutionalization. This fresh approach to the discussion of hyangyak during King Jungjong’s reign offers valuable insights into the dynamics of early Joseon’s political forces. It paves the way for a more diverse scholarly discourse regarding the state’s local governance in the 16th century, bridging what has been perceived as a disconnect between the 15th and 16th centuries. By intertwining the discussion of hyangyak with various local governing policies of the 16th century, we can achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the era’s local governance, which has been somewhat neglected in prior studies.