조선후기 蔭官의 初入仕 임용

Abstract

The understanding of the route of initial government appointment for Eumgwan (蔭官) in the late Joseon period has been unclear, therefore this paper examines the appointment methods of it. First, it will examine policies regarding Eumgwan’s initial government appointment and its posts, and analyze how the appointment was operated based on Jeongsachaek during King Yeongjo’s reign. Eumgwan in the early Joseon period was initially appointed mainly through testing the protected appointment candidates. However, as the appointment system for literary licentiates and classics licentiates had been formulated during King Myeongjong’s reign, it replaced the testing system and became the main method for appointing Eumgwan. Although restricted, it also opened up opportunities for yuhak (幼學) and middle-class people to enter public office. Additionally, the ritual heir of a meritorious family or people from the countryside recommended through the local magistrate or other recommendation systems were also specially appointed. Unlike other official posts, the recommendation for Eumgwan’s initial government posts was conducted solely by the Minister in the Board of Personnel. Their actual appointment shows us that it was centered on the appointment of literary and classics licentiates with special appointment that functioned as the advancement to government posts for yuhak. Appointment of literary and classics licentiates gave priority to the new passers of the exam and was predominated by people from the capital. Through this study, we can comprehend the route of Eumgwan’s initial government appointment, the appointment methods, and its results.