조선후기 세계 지리지에 대한 시론적 고찰

Abstract

The pioneering writings of world geographies in late Joseon can be peeked through 『Jibong Yuseol 芝峯類說(A Discussion of Geography and Astrology)』 by Lee Su-Gwang. Lee Su-Gwang described various distant countries that were not found in existing Chinese literatures by visiting China and reading western world maps. From the beginning of the 18th century, the writings of world geography appear diversely. 『Hwanyoungji 寰瀛誌』 by Wui Baek-Gyu includes descriptions of countries listed in 『Cheonhado』, the names of foreign areas listed in 『Zhí fāng wài jì 職方外紀』 a work by Aleni, and countries that were found only in the western world atlas. 「Wuisa 緯史」 that Seo Myeong-Eung wrote in the late 18th century, a world geography book with unique layout, is evaluated as unprecedented even in the world history of geography study on its method of classifying world geography. This book covers world geography in unique perspective by integrating the traditional method of the East and the nature science knowledge of the West. In the 19th century, writings of world geography grew further mature. 『Jigu Jeonyo 地球典要』 by Choi Han-Gi authored a world geography book that describes each elements based on his study of meteorology. In late 19th century, Oh Hoing-Muk wrote a world geography book by utilizing the then recent data from 『Yeojae Chalyo 輿載撮要』. Such writings were attributed for practical purpose to recognize and take actions for the then rapidly changing international circumstances. 『Samin Pilji 사민필지』 that Hulbert an American missionary edited made significant impact in helping understand various countries of the world while providing basic knowledge on geography, and by being written in Korean, it was read widely among the public at large as well as among the students.