영조의 제왕학과 국정운영

Abstract

Being usually referred to as the “Tangpyeong King,” Yeongjo is one of the most visible and noteworthy kings of Joseon who led the dynasty in the 18th century. In this article, how his hallmark policies, such as the Tangpyeong policy and Gyun’yeok institution, were related to his so-called “Studies for the Kings,” will be examined. Both policies had very much to do with Yeongjo’s own ideas, which concerned what the kings should learn and then teach to others. Yeongjo considered the governance of his ancestor kings as ideal examples of dynasty governing as well as also suitable models for future successors of the throne. He particularly praised the governance of Sejong, Seongjong and Seonjo, but considered Sejong’s as the most lofty one. He believed Sejong was a king who was just like the Chinese sage kings such as Yo and Sun, and claimed that he would like to follow his(Sejong’s) footsteps as well. Yeongjo argued that if one would study hard enough then one could become an ideal sage king just like Yo and Sun. He not only studied texts that were traditionally discussed in royal teaching sessions by past Joseon kings, but also examined Ju’rye or Daehak Yeon’eui-bo which were not studied by previous kings. He wanted to learn things that would widely contribute to not only individual character-building efforts but also the actual governing of a country. His studies armed him with expertise that surpassed those of his vassals. And such expertise enabled him to continuously write and publish his own ideas of governing. His studies led him to initiate the aforementioned two policies. As a “Tangpyeong king,” who was determined to appoint officials in an equitable manner, he announced that he himself would be serving as the “Master King(君師).” He engaged in an effort to reform the ritual protocols of the dynasty, and published major protocol compilations and law codes such as Gukjo Sok-O’rye-eui and Sok-Daejeon. And with such a reinforced king-centric political climate established, he wanted to do his subjects a favor. He launched the Gyun’yeok institution, which was designed to benefit the larger population. What he ultimately wanted to do was creating a new system, in which he could invite political stability with fair governmental assignments, and at the same time mitigate the pain and suffering of the general public.