『동국문헌비고』에 나타난 우리나라와 해로·도서 인식

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of Joseon as a country, sea routes and islands shown in Donggukmunheonbigo. The compilation of Donggukmunheonbigo was triggered by issues involving ginseng produced in Ulleungdo. King Yeongjo wanted to further develop Ganggyeji, authored by Shin Gyeong-jun, with the focus on territory, military defense facilities, mountains and rivers, and the length of roads. At the end, however, Donggukmunheonbigo was compiled in the form of an encyclopedia that summarizes various systems of Joseon. In Donggukmunheonbigo, information about counties and towns, mountains and rivers, and territories that comprise the Joseon Dynasty is categorized by theme and organized in a comprehensive manner. Previously compiled geography books of the country offered rather fragmented information about counties and prefectures, but Donggukmunheonbigo allowed its readers to easily find information about counties and towns, mountains and rivers, and territories while maintaining its characteristics as an encyclopedia. This shows that the primary purpose of the book was for the state to have the best understanding of the whole territory. The descriptions in “Coastal Defense (Haebang)” and “Sea Routes (Haero)” in the Donggukmunheonbigo Yeojigo shows the reality of seaways and coastal defense at that time. The sense of crisis on the coast is expressed in “Coastal Defense (Haebang).” Also, the knowledge of coastal waterways is a warning against external dangers. Information about islands is contained in “Coastal Defense,” because the book treated the islands in the context of coastal defense. In addition, the critical perception of coastal areas in “Coastal Defense” is maintained in “Naval Force (Jusa),” Byenggo. It is fair to say that the awareness of the sea routes and islands “Coastal Defense” is an introduction to the coastlines and island areas of the country. The perception of sea routes and islands shown in Donggukmunheonbigo lacks insights on any foreign affairs. To close this gap, diplomatic aspects were added in Jobinggo and “Frontier Guard (Byeonkuem)” of Byenggo included information about military affairs in Jeungjeongmunheonbigo. That is, considering the lack of interest in other countries shown in Donggukmunheonbigo, what Jeungjeongmunheonbigo introduced was a new awakening to the world and a call for military defense, all aimed at protecting the territory.