조선시대 인구정책에 관한 소고

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the population policy of the Joseon Dynasty and explore implications for the current Republic of Korea. This is a study at a basic level, starting from the premise that population is the most important and fundamental to a country, both past and present. As a result of examining the population policy of the Joseon Dynasty by examining 『Gyeonggukdaejeon』 and the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, where agriculture was the most important means of production, responded sensitively to population. Previous research could be mainly categorized into research on understanding population flows and phenomena during the Joseon Dynasty, research focusing on regional characteristics, population control and local system, analyzing the gap between family census contents and reality, and focusing on population and agriculture. As a result of examining the population policy of the Joseon Dynasty, household registration and population surveys were strictly implemented periodically and there were difficulties such as prohibiting the act of increasing the household population. Natural disasters, famine, and epidemic problems were major obstacles to population policy. Marriage had to occur at an appropriate time by law, and in cases where marriage was difficult, government officials provided assistance. We were able to find sections on support when giving birth to three or more people, the need for maternity leave for slaves, and the postponement of punishment for pregnant women. Even during the Joseon Dynasty, there were regional differences because relatively large populations were distributed in major regions or places that were good for farming. Accordingly, the implications of the population policy of the Joseon Dynasty are thorough survey and maintenance of census and population, encouragement of marriage and childbirth, response to variables that are difficult to control such as natural disasters, childcare support and consideration under criminal law, and people gathering in good places to engage in livelihood.