영천의 ‘사난(四難)’ 창의와 포은정신(圃隱精神)-임고서원(臨皐書院)의 포은 숭모와 관련하여-

Abstract

Yeongcheon is the birthplace of Poeun(圃隱) Jeong Mong-ju. This paper presents an investigation into the publication process and significance of Yeongyangsananchanguirok((永陽四難倡義錄)), which examined and put together the situations in which an army was raised four times for the cause of justice in Yeongcheon. It is an attempt to find and demonstrate in history the ways that the people of Yeongcheon respected Jeong Mong-ju; thus, inherited and practiced his spirit. In the early days of Seowons in Joseon, the literary figures under Lee Hwang took the lead in building Imgo Seowon(臨皐書院) to enshrine Jeong Mong-ju in Yeongcheon. Built with Lee Hwang's interest and support, Imgo Seowon became the second Sa-aek Seowon(賜額書院); and thus, solidified its fame. It also obtained the status of a major shrine for Jeong Mong-ju. Taking pride in Poeun and Imgo Seowon, the people of Yeongcheon rose high in the spirit of Poeun, which they had learned and practiced faithfully in case of national crisis. They raised an army in the cause of justice four times after wars broke out, which were called Imjin, Jeongmyo, Byeongja, and Musin Uibyeong(義兵). The confirmed number of people who participated was 650. Feeling worried about the potential destruction of their data in later times, the people of Yeongcheon decided to publish Yeongyangsananchanguirok to keep the memories for many years to come. In this book, they identified the righteousness of Jeong Mong-ju with that of Yeongcheon Uibyeong and furthered its publication. They also demonstrated that the publication of the book, which declared the inheritance of the Poeun spirit, would bring good luck to Yeongnam and also Joseon beyond Yeongcheon.