南冥 曺植의 일본 인식

Abstract

This study examined how Jo Shik, the intellectual who chose not to hold any government position, perceived Japan in the 16th century. Jo Shik thought that Japanese people were causing riots repeatedly because Joseon's national defense was weakened due to inappropriate handling of national affairs. In order to resolve the problem, he ardently recommended that the government conduct political reform. He, however, strongly opposed the Joseon government's policy regarding Japan which intended to prevent Japanese pirates(倭寇) by allowing trade with Tsushima Island(對馬島). He thought the Tsushima government was masterminding Japanese pirates, so in the end Japan would invade Joseon following the Tsushima government's scheme. Therefore, he insisted that Joseon should attack Tsushima. Jo Shik took a very tough stance against Japan. That was because he valued military power and enforcing strict discipline according to the law more than virtuous behaviors that might move people, though he was a Neo-Confucian scholar. Moreover, historically Gyeongsanwudo(慶尙右道), the region where he lived and worked, tended to be aggressive and direct. Besides, the region was often invaded by Japan, suffered from problems caused by Japanese residents living there and had the increasing financial burden of entertaining Japanese envoys. Furthermore, as he had not held any government position, he developed a different view of Japan from the government.