광개토태왕훈적비 제1면에 대한 試釋 − 마멸 부분 推讀과 辛卯年條 해석을 중심으로 −

Abstract

The record on the Gwanggaeto Stele first appeared in the Joseon Dynasty, and the Stele was identified as the stele of King Gwanggaeto around 1874/75. Since then, the Stele has been invaluable sources for the studies about the ancient history of Northeast Asia. A number of studies and works have been published by scholars from Korea, China, and Japan. It has also become a focal point of international studies since Maurice Courant, Édouard Chavannes, Rosa A. Dzarylgasinova began their studies about it. Deciphering the letters on the epitaph is the most fundamental procedure for the further studies. However, due to many faded letters and the damaged surface of the Stele, there are difficulties in interpreting and arranging its inscription. Since 1875, a lot of scholars from Korea and other countries have researched and discovered a variety of information. However, numerous letters still remain illegible, so there exist disputes on its interpretations of the epitaph. The most controversial portion of the inscription has been ‘而倭以辛卯年來渡○破百殘○○○羅以爲臣民’. This portion is commonly named as ‘Sinmyo Passage.’ However, its title may not be appropriate and it is necessary to re-examine the text. The portion ‘百殘○○○羅以爲臣民’ is not inscribed under the passage that describes the year of Sinmyo, but under the passage of the Biri (裨麗) conquest in the year of Eulmi. In addition, it was the year of Byeongsin, 6 years later after Sinmyo, when King Gwanggaeto raised his army. It has been argued that someone used lime and altered the letters, and has been questioned who it was. There exists no precedent of changing letters on the ancient steles by covering with lime, so it deserves blame for defacing its original text. This study tries to read and interpret the previously indecipherable letters which appear in the first section of the Gwanggaeto Stele, and discusses some controversial texts as well. It will be thanks to previous studies by other scholars, if this study brings any meaningful insight on the subject. It will be attributed to my lack of knowledge, if there is any error.