보부상의 문화유산적 가치

Abstract

Korea’s Bobusang, or travelling merchants of Chosun Dynasty, culturally symbolizes a leading traditional social community of commercial activity just like Dure, or collective farming, which is related to practices of a vocational association. Bobusang’s elements of collectivistic culture should continue to be shared into the future. Whereas values of remaining articles related to Bobusang as cultural heritage have partially been recognized with designation of them as national and regional cultural properties in Korea, intangible uniqueness, such as generality of records, as in Cheong-geum-rok, a roster of Confucius scholars in Chosun Dynasty and folk play of Bobusang, has not been highlighted. Traditions of Bobusang, memorial rites held to deepen ties among members that are part of the traditions and folk play all carry meanings of Korea’s representative community traditions. Documentary heritage of Bobusang is based on a community, which is different from that of a guild in the West. Democratic and cooperative activities are found in the records. The values of documentary heritage lie in detailed descriptions of mutual support for distribution of goods, sense of camaraderie in commercial activity and execution of duties that serves the purpose within Bobusang network. Intangible heritage related to Bobusang attempted to deepen bonds among members through memorial rites, promote commercial activity through a folk play, and pursue festivals. In any case, systematization of Bobusang tradition should be linked to forums held by Bobusang Preservation Society and traditional markets opening at five-day interval to ensure its survival. Based on the afore-mentioned Bobusang’s distinctive features, Bobusang should be registered as a cultural heritage while focus needs to be given to future-oriented development.