한국의 『菜根譚』 수용 과정과 번역

Abstract

This study investigated the process behind the acceptance of Caigentan, the compilation of aphorisms by Hong Zi-cheng, and its translations in Korea. Caigentan has long been a steady seller, with hundreds of related books published in Korea since the 20th century. The historical process was traced in detail to examine which editions were selected for translation, who they were translated by, and how they came to be accepted. First, the book was divided into the first edition series and Qing edition series. The entire text was compared to analyze the relationship between different series, and to identify errors. The Qing edition highlighted differences between the two series by taking the form of a Manchu-Chinese parallel text. The introduction of the Manchu-Chinese parallel text in the early 18th century, and its widespread circulation in the 18th and 19th centuries was examined. An analysis of the preface written by the physician Lee Jae-woo revealed his role in the circulation of the book by the upper middle class, dispatched as a delegation to Qing China. In the 20th century, Manhae Han Yong-un realized the popularity of Caigentan during his trip to Japan, and published a translation in 1917. The significance and features of his translation were reviewed. The features exhibited in Cho Chi-hun’s translation in the late 20th were also discussed. Lastly, constructive criticism was given based on the features and problems found in Korean translations. The findings are expected to shed light on not only the history of acceptance and Korean translators of Caigentan—a representative work of aphoristic literature in Asia—but also enhance understanding of how it was disseminated throughout East Asia.