조선 후기 하천지리지(河川地理志)의 등장과 편찬에 관한 연구 - 중국 역도원(酈道元)의 『수경주(水經注)』와의 비교를 겸하여

Abstract

This study analyzes the historical background in which the four editions of Hacheon jiriji(geographical books on rivers) were published, and delves into the authors’ lives, publication process, and the distinctive contents of the four geographical books produced in the late Joseon period. Finally, the paper compares Hacheon jiriji with Shuijingzhu authored by Li Daoyuan of China. The challenging international environment of the 17th and 18th centuries notably catalyzed a heightened national and regional consciousness among the Joseon people, thereby fostering a surge in the popularity of research on historical geography. Scholars actively contributed to the exploration and understanding of border areas, mountainous regions, and coastal islands during this period. Against this backdrop, many scholars employed geographical documents and philological methods originating from China to investigate various historical geography issues within Korea. The intricate interplay of these historical factors ultimately culminated in the production of four geographical books on rivers during the late Joseon Dynasty by scholars such as Sin Gyeongjun, Yi Jonghwi, Seong Haeeung, and Jeong Yakyong. These scholars shared close relationships, had collective experiences in nationwide geography projects, and frequently engaged in scholarly exchanges centered on classical Chinese writings. Some directly emulated Li Daoyuan’s Shuijingzhu, resulting in variations among the geographical books on rivers compiled in Joseon. These discrepancies can be attributed to significant differences in the geographical environments of Korea and China, as well as variations in the availability of reference materials during their respective production periods. With the exception of Jeong Yakyong’s Daedongsugyeong, the other geographical books on rivers from the late Joseon Dynasty underwent varying degrees of stylistic transformation under the influence of Shuijingzhu, reflecting the unique intellectual endeavors and academic aspirations of scholars during that era.