『운천호종일기雲川扈從日記』에 수록된 임진전쟁기 선조의 외교 의례 시행과 의미

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the implementation patterns of diplomatic ceremonies carried out by King Seonjo towards Ming generals during the Imjin War era, focusing on the <Annals of the Joseon Dynasty> and the <Uncheonhojeon-ilgi>, with the goal of analyzing the messages King Seonjo intended to convey to the Ming dynasty based on these ceremonies. In the 25th year of King Seonjo’s reign (1592), during the early stages of the Imjin War, there was an attitude in Ming China of seeking an objective understanding of the situation in Joseon. Therefore, King Seonjo, while meeting with Ming envoys and preparing for ceremonies, tried to convey the difficult situation facing Joseon in a modest manner. However, as the negotiations with Ming China and Japan began after the reclaim of Pyongyang in the 26th year of King Seonjo’s reign (1597), King Seonjo demonstrated a gesture of utmost respect towards the Ming army, aiming to solicit their support by openly showing deference to them. King Seonjo personally conducted bowing rituals of expressing gratitude to Ming generals and performed the ritual of touching his head to the ground, or prostration, himself. He also personally sought to entertain all Ming soldiers, going as far as to attend to them himself. While expressing gratitude to Ming China, King Seonjo also conveyed a sense of urgency and made efforts to facilitate smooth negotiations to progress. Through Kim Yong’s historical record, <Uncheonhojeon-ilgi>, we can confirm examples of rituals omitted from the <Annals of the Joseon Dynasty>. Through the <Annals of the Joseon Dynasty>, it was confirmed that King Seonjo performed a ritual of bowing as a gesture of gratitude to Yi Yeosong, a Ming general. Additionally, through the <Uncheonhojeon-ilgi>, it was confirmed that King Seonjo conveyed his urgent intentions by personally offering a cup of alcohol to Yi Yeosong and Yangwon. We can sufficiently surmise how highly King Seonjo regarded all diplomatic actions visualized through rituals. At that time, Joseon stood at a crossroads of survival, and King Seonjo, utilizing all the courtesies afforded by his royal status, sought to solicit and maintain Ming China’s support. Even after the Imjin War, Joseon continued to emphasize the ideology of the “grace of restoring the country (再造之恩)”, referring to the favor of restoring the nation granted by Ming China. This perception had been accumulated, reproduced, and solidified throughout the period of the Imjin War.