조선후기 비변사 낭청의 운영체계와 역할에 관한 고찰 -『비변사등록』 좌목 및 기사 분석을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This paper is written to examine the operational system and actual roles of the Nangcheong (郎廳, practitioner), who were in charge of practical tasks within the Bibyeonsa (備邊司), which has played a crucial role in the governance of the late Joseon Dynasty. For this purpose, an analysis was conducted focusing on the official records written by the Bibyeonsa, known as 『Bibyeonsa Deungrok (備邊司謄錄)』. Through this analysis, I investigated the operational system and roles of the Nangcheong within the Bibyeonsa. First, the Bibyeonsa Nangcheong consists of four Mun Nangcheong (文郎廳, civil officers) and eight Moo Nangcheong (武郎廳, military officers). Among them, one Mun Nangcheong concurrently serves as the Moobisa Nangcheong (武備司郎廳). However, it is confirmed that the composition and quota of the Nangcheong in the early stages of its establishment did not strictly adhere to this, and it was only after the period of Injo (仁祖) that the system of four Mun Nangcheong and eight Moo Nangcheong members was established. The Nangcheong system of Bibyeonsa continues until its abolition, as recorded in the legal code 『Sokdaejeon (續大典)』. The members of Bibyeonsa Nangcheong were filled through recommendation, taking into account the opinions of the incumbent and fellow Nangcheong members. The four Moo Nangcheong members of grade 7 (7品) and below are selected through a separate process and appointed by high officer in Bibyeonsa. These Nangcheong members are recognized for the importance and burden of their duties, having the opportunity for immediate promotion upon completing the designated workdays. The members of Bibyeonsa Nangcheong were responsible for the practical aspects of core tasks within the Bibyeonsa, such as military affairs, financial affairs, personnel affairs, and diplomatic affairs. Additionally, they performed tasks such as monitoring the attendance of other officials, verifying local conditions, and conducting audits on specific matters. While both civil service and military officials were involved in common tasks, there were also distinct responsibilities for each group. The 『Bibyeonsa Deungrok』indicated instances where the duties of Mun Nangcheong and Moo Nangcheong were differentiated. Through the above research, we were able to clarify to some extent the operational system and role of Nangcheong, the practitioners within Bibyeonsa. Based on this, we could more clearly understand the essence of Bibyeonsa as a major government office in the late Joseon period. However, there are limitations as we were not able to review and analyze various primary records such as official documents. Additionally, the inability to trace the future careers of Bibyeonsa Nangcheong members and conclusively determine the status they held within the government during that time remains a challenge. This points to the need for further research to address these limitations in the future.