고종 연간 관우신앙의 유행과 강화지역 관우묘(關羽廟) 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the establishment and management of Guan Yu Shrines in Ganghwa following the popularity of Guan Yu worship during the King Gojong’s Era. Guan Yu, a general during the Weijin Northern and Southern dynasties in China, was introduced to Joseon by Ming generals during the Japanese invasions of Korea. Afterwards, Guan Yu was used by the kings of Joseon as a symbol of military service and loyalty. During King Gojong’s Era, the Guan Yu worship was popular thanks to royal support. During King Gojong’s Era, shamans were involved in the establishment of Guan Yu Shrines. Guan Yu was elevated from ‘King’ to ‘Emperor’. The Guan Yu worship spread to the provinces, and Guan Yu Shrines were also built in the provinces. In particular, it is unique that three of them were built in Ganghwa, they still exist. Nevertheless, Guan Yu Shrines in Ganghwa have never been properly studied. Guan Yu Shrines in the Ganghwa began with the southern shrine in 1884, followed by the eastern shrine(1885) and the northern shrine(1892), all built within 1km. The southern shrine was founded by Oh Sang-joon, and the northern shrine was founded by Yoon Hee-bo, and these were officials. The eastern shrine was founded by a civilian named Mrs. Ma. But the management costs were paid by the government office. The reason why so many Guan Yu Shrines were built in Ganghwa in such a short period of time is because the Ganghwa became important for national defense in the late 19th century. Foreign soldiers invaded Ganghwa, demanding the opening of ports. Therefore, many military organizations were established and many military personnel gathered in Ganghwa to work there. The soldiers needed a religious place. Therefore, Guan Yu Shrines were built and operated with the support of the government office. In addition, in this paper, it was found that the establishment of the Guan Yu Shrines in the Ganghwa were closely related to the Musangdan(無相壇), the first Taoist denomination in the late Joseon Dynasty. Seo Nan-gyeong, who wrote the signboard of the eastern shrine, was a key member of the Musangdan. However, the trend of Guan Yu worship was short-lived. In 1907, King Gojong’s forced abdication and the dissolution of the Korean Empire's military were announced. After the annexation of Korea and Japan in 1910, groups related to Taoism were dispersed by the Japanese. The Guan Yu Shrines in the Ganghwa, which faced a crisis due to the loss of its supporters, became a place of shamanism. Recently, Guan Yu Shrines have lost its role as a shaman shrine as many shamans have died of old age. Interest and support are needed to preserve shrines. This study examined the process by which the Guan Yu worship, which was popular in the royal family in the late Joseon Dynasty, spread to the provinces, led to the establishment of Guan Yu Shrines in the provinces, and changed the role of Guan Yu Shrines in a chaotic era. This paper is meaningful in that it introduces the Guan Yu Shrines in Ganghwa, and is expected to be helpful in various studies in the future.