영조대 對淸使行의 운영과 對淸關係에 대한 인식

Abstract

The reign of Joseon’s King Yeongjo (1724~1776) corresponds to that of Yongzheng Emperor (1722~1735) and Qianlong Emperor (1735~1795) of Chinese Qing Dynasty. In that period, Joseon and Qing were stable in politics and had kept good relations with each other. Such good relations resulted from Qing Emperors’ preferential treatment on Joseon - the Emperors had led the relations with Joseon. Amicable relations of that period can be evidenced by the frequency of envoy dispatches. Average annual Joseon-to-Qing envoy dispatch had declined from 2.42 times to 1.67 times while average Qing-to-Joseon envoy dispatch from 1.29 times to 0.43 times. Envoy dispatch gave a great burden to the national finance of both countries, in particular, being far heavier on Joseon. The declined frequency indicates that Qing Emperors had confidence in Joseon and there were not much issues to be solved politically. Aside the political stability of bilateral relations, Joseon had a economic difficulty in maintaining the envoy delegation. Joseon had earned lots of Japan’s silver through the transit trade between Qing and Japan. However, since 1720s Joseon’s silver stock had dropped sharply due to the rapid decline of japan's silver production, the rise of Chinese raw silk price and others. So, Joseon government restricted the unauthorized trading and private trade of civil trader in order to prevent the outflow of silver. The measure was obviously expected to strengthen the exclusive power of envoy trade which had been exercised by the hands-on staff of delegation, that is, interpreter. But, in the condition that silver outflow should be prevented, any measure could not help reducing the size of envoy trade. The most sensitive issues, which King Yeongjo had given much attention to in relation with Qing, were the installation of Hyojang crown prince (孝章世子) who was only seven years old and the description of King Injo Restoration in 『Ming History (明史)』- At that time, Qing was preparing to publish the official history of Ming Dynasty and Joseon tried that King Injo Restoration would not be described as Injo's usurpation of Gwanghaegun’s throne in 『Ming History』. For King Yeongjo who was week in the legitimacy of accession, such issues should be solved to show his dignity as King. Though the department of protocol of Qing raised an objection, the installation of Hyojang crown prince was approved by Qing Emperor finally in 1725. King Injo Restoration issue was successfully settled in 1739 by officially receiving, from Qing government, the printed copy of the part related to Joseon in 『Ming History』. In King Yeongjo period, there were important cooperators for Joseon’s envoy dispatch. The typical cooperator was Kim Sang-Myeong (1668 ?~ 1742). He is the grandson of Kim Yeo-gyu who defected to Qing around 1627. His family gained the favor of Kangxi Emperor and especially Kim Sang-Myeong assumed high-ranking position by contributing to Yongzheng Emperor’s ascending. He played important roles in solving diplomatic issues Joseon requested to Qing in the background. In particular, He played a crucial part in changing the contents of 『Ming History』. Zheng Shitai (鄭世泰), a Beijing-based business magnate, actually monopolized the trade of Joseon delegation in Beijing. Besides trading, Joseon delegation had procured urgent financing and other conveniences. King Yeongjo and other leaders of Joseon had dual attitudes for Qing. They thought intentionally and unfairly that both Yongzheng Emperor and Qianlong Emperor were inclined to luxury life and had brutal and miser mind. They also focused on the negative aspect of Qing that overall Qing society admired luxury life. Such was based on the idea that Qing was a barbarian dynasty. However, on the other hand, they acknowledged that Qing imposed lighter taxes than Ming and was generous to Joseon and Joseon’s delegation. In terms of the change of international order, persons in power expected that Chinese Han (漢族) would beat Manchurian Qing and recover the power. In fact, Han could not made any important movement against Qing and Joseon had not the will to overcome Qing by itself. Therefore, having dual attitudes, Joseon leaders on the one hand expected Qing to collapse and on the other hand worried about the Joseon’s security when other race would replace Qing.