정조대의 방역(防疫): 안전과 호혜의 모색

Abstract

This paper began with the question of what practical wisdom can be gained from past epidemic control while experiencing the Corona Pandemics today. Joseon in the 18th century suffered severely from measles. Seoul paid special attention to quarantine since it was dwelled by the king. The ministry of Seoul isolated and administered plague patients outside the fortress wall providing them a temporary quarantine station outside the city. Patients were divided into four types and were prescribed with proper food and medicine; those who were sick, in recovery, recovered and returned to city, and the dead. In 1786, when the measles went pendamic, King Jeongjo ordered Hyeminseo(惠民署) and Jeonyigam to prepare Guryujeolmok(救療節目) and preemptively counteract against the plague. Patients thought to have been exposed to the epidemics were asked to report to Hyeminseo and Jeonyigam(典醫監) in advance, and in case confirmed, prescriptions and drugs were immediately provided. Responsibility was clarified by recording all doctors who treated the patient and drug details. In addition, stock of the medicine was reported every five days to determine the status of drug supply and demand. All measures against the plague were translated into Korean so that the people could understand. Overcoming pandemic could not be dependent solely on the national policies. Local literati practiced the spirit of mutual assistance in the village code. The community took care of the farm of the infected and gathered money for the medicine. The spirit of reciprocity was desperate during the time of disaster. King Jeongjo compiled Hyangrye Happyun(鄕禮合編) to spread the spirit of community compact and encouraged mutual assistance during disaster. It is said that the level of civilization of a society is determined by how the society treats the weak. King Jeongjo not merely quarantined the plague patients but also helped them live on their own. Beyond basic health care, the government prepared measures to deal with epidemics at the welfare level. He also encouraged the community's voluntary reciprocity. The spirit of solidarity and reciprocity among community which is desperately sought these days had been already attempted in Joseon since 200 years ago.