18세기 초-중반 경상도 방어전략의 변화 - 수군에서 요충방어로의 전환을 중심으로 -

Abstract

In the wake of the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 (“Imjin War”), theGovernment of Joseon strengthened the Gyeongsang Province’s defense System,in preparation for another attack by Japan. As a result, the defense strategy in the17thcentury Gyeongsang Province(慶尙道) prioritized its naval forces, designated thesouthern coast of Korea as a major front line, and prepared for a full-scale warwith Japan. Such a defense regime, which prepared for an all-out war, necessitatedcorresponding manpower and funding, to fully mobilize all naval forces in Jeollaand Chungcheong provinces in the west coast. However, in the late 17th to early 18th century, the growing number of strangerships, such as the “Hwangdangseon(荒唐船)”, led to an increased threat from theWest Sea, which disturbed the all-out mobilized regime that was centered in thesouthern coast of Korea. Moreover, increasing internal dissent coming from socialchanges and a rise in criminal activities highlighted the serious public security issueon land. With the outbreak of the Musin Revolt(戊申亂) in the 18th century, theroyal court had political reasons to keep the Gyeongsang Province in check, andthe implementation of the Equalized Tax Law(均役法) not only reduced the fundingfor regional army and navy, but, in fact, also affected its actual operation. Changesin the financial aspect especially accelerated the weakening of the naval forces. Hence, the naval force-centered defense strategy of the 17th century GyeongsangProvince, which assumed an all-out war with Japan, could not be maintained intothe 18th century. The defense regime of the 18th century Gyeongsang Province went through anew transformation as a result of political, social, and financial changes. First, theoperational logic of the naval forces moved from the existing logic of focusing on the size of the warship to importance of mobility, thereby striving to immediatelyresponse and mobile defense possible. This was a measure to respond where theprovince had to now protect its coastlines with less military forces. Second, asthe logic for land defense gained momentum, it led to a focus on defense in strategiclocations. In particular, strengthened defense in the strategic points near the SobaekMountains was deemed as sufficient enough to stop any reoccurring revolts in theGyeongsang Province region, to defend against thieves in the mountainous region,and to respond to any landing operations and inland advancements by the Japanesemilitary. Therefore, the fortresses and border defenses near the Sobaek Mountainrange around Joryeong(鳥嶺) were strengthened. As such, changes in the 18th century Gyeongsang Province defense strategy wasultimately a solution to improve military operations in a different way than whatwas seen at the end of the war, as a response to social and political changes. Thisshows the impact that King Yeongjo(英祖)’s reform had on the military, but alsothe close connection between social and military issues, which are not limited tomilitary causes.