경주최씨의 龍山書院 운영과 노블레스 오블리주

Abstract

This article analysed old documents in the head house of the Choi clan in Gyeongju, belonging to Choi Jinrip(Jillip, 1568-1636) and Yongsan Seowon lecture hall. The documents reveal the unique tradition of noblesse oblige of the Choi clan, the origin and development. The foundings are as follows First, the noblesse oblige of the Choi clan embodied in the family precepts 家訓 was practiced not only in the rich Choi family in Gyodong village but in other Choi families. The family precepts were moral tradition of Choi families and management strategies as well. The tradition originated in the experiences of operating Yongsan seowon by the Choi clan members. The donation practices of wonnapjeon 願納田 and the operation of the mutual loan club among brothers, uijanggye 義莊契 were the examples. Social obligations in Confucius families were practiced in the management of clan community organizations including the core family with parents. Second, the family precepts of noblesse oblige were the result of negotiations between the Choi families who occupied the upper social and economic standing and the local tenant farmers and the slaves belonged to the clan. Thus the family precepts were the solution to settle the conflicts between the Choi clan and the local residents. Third, the operation of byeolgo 別庫 of Yongsan seowon revealed economic relief practice for the poor. The investigation committee of Yongsan seowon examined poor debtors and exempted the debt partially or wholly based on investigations. Yongsan seowon held the ceremonies for the ancient sages and were an educational institution. In addition to the two general functions of seowon, the distinguishing characteristics of Yongsan seowon were the financial function and the aid for the poor.