조선시대 구언제도의 절차와 내용 연구

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore Koounjedo, an opinion seeking policy and its philosophical base called Jayroan, a traditional approach to natural disasters. The study looked at Chosun dynasty's Koounjedo, specifically its procedures, forms, problems, limitations, examples, and so on. Dated from the Chinese Warring States period, the practice was systematically established in the Han dynasty. In Korea, the custom traced back to the Three Kingdom era, institutionalized in the Koryeo dynasty. It was considered a kind of public appeal system, hearing active and direct voices of the Chosun people. There were three forms of the practice, 'Baikkwanjinun'(the majority form), 'Yuhyunsueui', and 'Kuearlmunjeonsunmun'. Although those who submitted a memorial to the king were granted immunity, some people went to their doom (discharge, trial, prison, death, etc). Since the middle of Chosun, the practice tended to make appellants the victims of the system, which rather resulted in a communication impasse. The reason for the deadlock is that most memorials were written either for partisan's sake or for treacherous purpose. Eventually, the system was degenerated as the relations of sovereign and subject fell into mistrust. It became in name only despite Jungdojeon, the founding thinker of the dynasty, hoped to establish a public sphere of opinions.