[국제심포지엄 기조강연] 高麗 恭愍王代의 反元的 改革政治와 ‘丙申年敎書’

Abstract

This article is a reexamination of the anti-Yuan reforms of the Goryeo Dynasty, focusing on the “Byeongsinnyeon-Gyoseo” statement. Its contents are summarized as follows. First, this article briefly outlined the beginning and background of the anti-Yuan reforms. In May 1356, King Gongmin purged the pro-Yuan forces(附元勢力) represented by Ki Cheol(奇轍) as an emergency means, abolished Jeongdonghangseong(征東行省) Imunso(理問所) established by Yuan in Goryeo and mobilized troops to attack Yuan's territory in two directions: northwest and northeast. The reasons King Gongmin was able to carry out these reforms include the decline of the Yuan Empire, his sense of crisis due to the Yuan Empress Ki clan, and the growth of an independent historical consciousness in Goryeo around that time. Second, this article examined the process of announcing the “Byeongsinnyeon-Gyoseo(丙申年敎書)” statement and its details. Because it was confirmed that the various measures taken with the beginning of the anti-Yuan reforms were successfully progressed, and in particular, the military activities of the troops advancing to the northwest and northeast were confirmed without any setback, King Gongmin announced the “Byeongsinnyeon-Gyoseo(丙申年敎書)” statement and practically supported the anti-Yuan reform politics. It is worth noting that the use of the Yuan era name called Zhi Zheng(至正) was stopped at the same time as the statement was announced because it means that Goryeo stated in its anti-Yuan stance that it would break away from the international order centered on the Yuan Empire. This statement explained the background of the king's removal of the pro-Yuan forces in the previous section. Based on emphasizing the independence of Goryeo, it vowed to revive and reconstruct the nation anew in accordance with laws and discipline. The latter part presented specific reform proposals for 27 items. Overall, this reform plan was the design of a policy aimed at national reconstruction and an expression of determination to rebuild Goryeo into a normal state. Third, this article examined the progress of the anti-Yuan reforms after the “Byeongsinnyeon-Gyoseo(丙申年敎書)” statement. Looking at the anti-Yuan aspect, diplomatic relations reached the point of collapse due to Goryeo's purge of the pro-Yuan forces and the military actions against Yuan. However, relations between the two countries were almost restored, and the envoy’s visits were normally resumed, for the Yuan dynasty took a short-term measure, and Goryeo adopted an ingenious and active foreign policy. The two countries' relationship was put in a state of Gimi(羈縻, binding and checking), and unlike the period of interference with Yuan, Goryeo had a superficial tribute relationship to Yuan. This was an important achievement of the anti-Yuan reforms. King Gongmin carried out reform policies with a strong will to rebuild the state, and several important projects were promoted such as the Hanyang(漢陽) Cheondo(遷都, transferring the capital) Movement. Transfer of the capital was important in connection with the reform politics toward state reconstruction. However, soon after, all projects were frustrated due to the threat of Japanese Raiders and invasions by the Red Turban Bandits. The king could not abandon the tenacity to transfer the capital because he tried to overcome the regret he had for the failure of the reform politics toward state reconstruction through the realization of the transfer of the capital. Goryeo eventually established its capital in Baegak(白岳), albeit in a modified form, in the 9th year of King Gongmin. The flow of reforms was frustrated by the threat of intrusion from outside forces and was buried in the transfer of the capital to Baegak.