몽골의 일본인식과 蒙麗관계

Abstract

During the foundation period of the empire, the ruling class of Mongol divided all regions and people on the earth into the targets of subjection and war, and recognized the peoples and nations that didn’t surrender as “enemies” that must be defeated by force later. Based on this dichotomous world view, they sent envoys to Japan several times and persistently demanded subjugation during Khubilai period, and when Japan didn’t respond to it, they attacked Japan twice, both of which ended up as failure. After Khubilai’s death, the plan to conquer Japan was completely abandoned, but the ruling class of Mongol had started to think that Japan, the nation that had not yielded, was ‘the only enemy.’ This understanding worked as the main factor to define the geopolitical condition and roles of Goryeo, the subjugated country closest to Japan. The governing class of Mongol regarded Goryeo as the defending fence located on the eastern boundary in their domain, based on their own concept of territory, and delegated all the work of appeasement and conquest to Goryeo. And after the war ended, they established a defense system in Goryeo and made it a military base at the front line in preparation for Japan’s attack. Goryeo naturally accepted Mongol’s unique view of the world and understanding of Japan in the process of discussing the matters with Mongol to appease and conquer Japan. In addition, when Goryeo negotiated with Mongolia, they developed logics corresponding to their recognition of Japan, and made an active use of it as the means to achieve their position. They succeeded in gaining the Mongolian governing class’s sympathy through this, so Goryeo could accomplish their intended diplomatic goal.