1799년 전염병[胡疫]의 대유행과 국가의 위기대응 방식

Abstract

Ryu Ui-mok(1785~1833) contracted influenza on January 7, 1799 at the age of 15. The next day, the family of an elder brother of his family, the family of a younger brother of his father, and families of his father's cousins all contracted it at once when his grandfather returned after going out. A few days later, seven of eight governors including the governor of Gyeongsang Province died. The number of deaths reached 400 in Andong and 63,000 in Seoul. King Jeongjo(正祖) of Joseon determined that it was a national disaster and crisis, taking on relief works first. He gave an order to relieve people to Jinhyulcheong(賑恤廳) on January 13, 1799 and had Yeoje(厲祭) and Wuije(慰祭) held. These were traditional approaches, but they had much influence on the opinions of the people. He also had the bodies of the deceased due to the infectious disease isolated and buried in private land that was owned by people and purchased by the government for the purpose. The regular spring military campaign was suspended altogether. These measures were taken during a period of approximately 20 days. Under this miserable situation, interesting stories spread among the people. It is difficult to trace the origin of an infectious disease. It must have been even more difficult in the traditional society. The stories spread among the people during a severe infectious disease must reflect the consciousness of the people. Ryu Ui-mok at age 15 called this cold "Hoyeok(胡疫)" writing down what he heard. He believed that the cold was transmitted from China. The government made fast reactions to the influenza spreading around the nation, and the people seemed to have trusted the government.