양반가에서의 노비 역할－전라도 부안의 우반동김씨가의 사례를 중심으로－

Abstract

The author examined concretely for the research what roles slaves served in Buan Kim lineage who had lived in Ubandong in Buan,Jeolla-do from generation to generation. Kim Hong-Won, known to be an ancestor who restored the family fortunes of Buan Kim lineage,owned male slaves Woose who managed a farm and Gunseok who held the domestic reins in the Kim’s house. Out of slaves, Gunseok was a chief slave of the Kim's family, which served him not only as a manager of all the household chores, but also a butler who filed in a petition to the authorities and paid taxes in place of his master. Accordingly, his master made efforts to treat him to be commensurate with his duties. The Buan Kim lineage developed rice paddy fields in the vicinity of the upper regions of Geum River and Seomjin River in Yongdam-hyeon and Imsil-hyeon of Jeolla-do by blocking water from the rivers, and also developed fishing grounds at sea of Jooeulrae-ri in Buan-hyeon. These developments could be all attributed to male slaves who have a strong spirit of team work and good skills. What brought an economic base to the Buan Kim linage was all their efforts. In 1597 when Japanese armies invaded Joseon territory again, Kim Hong-Won raised a guerrilla force with his brave, loyal male slaves. Although the slaves did not receive military exercise, they were well organized and trained through development of rice paddy fields and fishing grounds; they were not afraid of death at war, fighting in the vanguard and distinguishing themselves in war. Resulting from their contribution to war, Kim Hong-Won became Tongjeongdaebu 3rd rank of Jeong, which enabled him to enter government service. There is no doubt that he filled various government posts based on his ability and efforts, however, it cannot be denied that his guerrilla force was the opportunity to make him widely known. The slave efforts did not always bring a fortune. Although the Buan Kim linage could emerge from an economic, political perspective, the Kim's family had to go through difficulties and challenges. For example, some of his descendants were executed or put into jail for a rumor that the Kim's family, who owned a lot of slaves, was de facto power behind the Musin Revolt in 1728 and slaves from the Kim's family led rebel forces of the revolt. None the less, the Buan Kim lineage of Uban-dong mostly managed slaves well. For example, the Kim's family allowed dextrous slaves to create various daily necessities and out-resident slaves to dedicate fish for slave tribute, which used inside the house or offered as a present for relatives or acquaintances living in Seoul and local areas. The Kim's family carried out exchange with Gyonghwasajok(京華士族,noble of Seoul) by delivering the daily necessities and crops produced in farms which Gyonghwasajok owned in Buan and its neighboring villages by ships the Kim's family owned. In conclusion, although the Buan Kim lineage lived in a remote corner of the coast from generation to generation, the Kim’s families could live maintaining their fortunes and reputation as yangban (noble family); it is their slaves who could make this possible.