家系ㆍ師友 관계를 통해본 15세기의 지식인 남효온

Abstract

The thought and world views of Nam Hyo-on as a representation of the 15th-century intellect of Korea were formed under an inseparable influence of his relationships with his family, teachers and friends. A portrait of Nam Hyo-on, the critical writer of the early Joseon Dynasty who was also known by his pen name Chugang, this paper focuses on his position in his familial and social networks he belonged to as well as the influence or significance of his circle of acquaintances on the composition and territory of the contemporary Sarim faction. Chugang studied under Jeompiljae, the founder of the Yeongnam School, and associated with his teachers and friends through literary exchanges and camaraderie over drinks. His association and friendship, however, were not without conflicts from different attitudes, or responses, toward various social issues. Furthermore, the boundary of his socialization was neither confined to those who belonged to the Sarim faction, nor could be clearly defined as being opposed to its antagonistic Hungu faction―that is, the powerful group of officials whose privilege was mainly based on their meritorious deeds or status as royal in-laws. Chugang was a descendent of a meritorious official who had contributed to the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, and his wife was also from the family of a retainer of merit (the Papyeong Yun family). Chugang's second son-in-law, Yi Chong, was from the royal family: he was the great-grandson of King Taejong. In addition, his book The Names and Deeds of My Teachers and Friends (Sawumyeonghaengnok) also lists a few persons from the royal family. For Chugang, Joseon was a nation founded by the collaboration of his ancestors. His acquaintances were not only from Hanyang, the capital, but also from Honam Province. Some of them were from the royal family, and most others were scholars renowned for their virtuous deeds, the trait so highly respected as to serve as a standard for public employment. Chugang wished to reform the Joseon Dynasty into a society of justice and morality, and tried to pursue this dream in solidarity with people from whom he could learn and with whom he would share his goals. Although these pursuits brought him a lifetime of disappointment and frustration, there is no denying that his efforts contributed to constructing a network that enabled the Sarim faction to seek for social reform and to play an important role in the contemporary society.