18세기 강릉 전주이씨 선교장의 전답매매활동과 전략

Abstract

This article examines the policy for buying land across three generations following the arrival of one of the JeonJu (全州) Lee Clan members in GangReuung (江陵) region in 18th century Choson. Around 1721, as his father passed away, Lee Naebun (李乃蕃) made the decision to return to his mother’s hometown, GangNeung, with her, from ChungCheong province (忠淸道). His family could be supported socially and economically for several years, because his maternal clan, the AnDong Kwon clan (安東權氏), was a notable part of local society. However, Lee Naebun, who was 30 years old in 1732, started to purchase rice paddies and dry fields near KnagNung and other areas. Then, he build a house, Seongyojang (船橋莊), and appointed a burial field which would be the centre for succeeding generations until 1792, when he was 60 year old. Lee ShiChoun (李時春), son of Lee NaeBun, extended his real estate based on his father’s legacy. In 1767, when he was in his 30, he also begun to buy land. He checked an inheritance, his father’ rough sketch for land distribution, and bought appointed areas. The clan’s purchasing effort and work was thus maintained for over 50 years with the strategic idea sustained from father to son. Then, in 1790, Lee IkCho (李益朝), grandson of Lee NaeBun, filed and made into a book all the information on the properties, especially farm land, that his ancestors had left. This was because land was an even more valuable asset than slaves, and it became the turning point for managing the enlarged land and properties. The book contained all the data on the clan’s rice paddies and dry fields, such as when they had been purchased, where they were located and how much could be harvested. The project of the JeonJu Lee clan (全州李氏) to obtain and extend property was designed across the generations, and Lee Naebun’s son and grandson followed his plan. This systemic design and approach to land management was eventually to make the clan one of the richest families in 19th century GangReuung society.