『修信使日記』의 체재와 내용 연구

Abstract

This paper was written with the purpose of reviewing the primary source literature of Susinsa ilgi (Journal of an Envoy to Japan, 修信使日記). Comparing the extant editions of Susinsa ilgi, Kim Kisu’s Iltong kiyu (Record of a Journey to Japan, 日東記游), and An Kwangmok’s Changsa kihaeng (Record of an Ocean Raft Journey, 滄槎紀行) showed the following differences in their format and content. First, Susinsa ilgi was simply regarded as Kim Kisu’s official journal as it was included in Iltong kiyu. In fact, however, Susinsa ilgi has the greatest number of extant copies among records written by envoys to Japan post-1876, with a total of nine. It is presumed that that even more existed based on the diversity of the copies. Moreover, as each copy differs in format and structure, they were probably copied and passed down from different versions of an original. Thus it is difficult to regard Susinsa ilgi as Kim’s official record. Second, Susinsa ilgi is not written in the style of an official document, but in the format of traditional envoy records which contained a journal, report, letters, and poems. Seven of the nine copies include the official report of a travelogue and personal records such as poems and funeral addresses, in addition to the journal. However, four of these seven had a lower proportion of personal records such as poems and funeral addresses despite stylistically following the format of traditional envoy records and including the journal and official report. This demonstrates an ambiguous and complex picture in the transition from the premodern era. Third, only nine days are recorded in five copies of the Susinsa ilgi, which does not comprise of even half of the journey. However, no specific rules on these records’ contents were discovered, nor is it clear why only certain days were recorded. They do share a common point in recording the conversations between chief envoy Kim Kisu and high-level Japanese officials. When seen in this light, it is highly likely that portions of Susinsa ilgi were specifically excerpted. This becomes even more apparent when comparing Kim’s Susinsa ilgi with An’s Iltong kiyu. To conclude, Susinsa ilgi is not an official record “written” by Kim, but probably first composed as a journal by someone who excerpted the essentials of an envoy record. These contents were then copied and passed down, and later attributed to having been written by Kim Kisu.