丙子胡亂과 三田渡碑文 撰述

Abstract

Investigating the progress of war in details after the Byeongja horan (the ManJu invasion) in 1636 until Joseon Dynasty surrendered to Qing Dynasty, this article comments on the reason why Joseon Dynasty had to inevitably surrender to Qing Dynasty. Furthermore, the strategy, tactics and military power of both countries at the time of Byeongja horan are analyzed in comparison and the process in which Sarnieondo Monument was written by Lee, Kyung Seok of Joseon Dynasty. Invading Joseon Dynasty with large troop of some 128,000 soldiers on December 8, 1636, Qing Dynasty subdued the capital, Seoul in just 7 days. Refuging to the Namhansanseong (the old castle that was located near the capital) immediately, King Injo was isolated at Namhansanseong for 45 days from December 15 to January 30 of the next year. Commanding the soldiers here, King Inio once resolved to fight against the enemy, but lost fighting spirit, because external supporting troop was blocked and Ganghwa-do (an island located near the capital) was also subdued. On the other hand, the negotiation for amicable settlement with the troop of Qing Dynasty continued as the interest of both sides were compatible. Before isolating Joseon Dynasty in the Namhansanseong, Qing Dynasty attempted to make amicable settlement on the level of prince or th Crown Prince. However, confirming the military superiority, Qing Dynasty persistently demanded that the King of Joseon Dynasty himself should come out of the castle and surrender. In the long run, this coercion was satisfied. On the contrary, Joseon Dynasty insisted to maintain brotherhood with Qing Dynasty before isolation, emphasizing the fidelity with Ming Dynasty. After isolation, Joseon Dynasty attempted to prevent the worst case, i.e., King himself came out of the castle to surrender. Thus, elevating the level gradually, Joseon Dynasty attempted to conclude negotiation of amicable settlement. Having no more power to resist under the military disadvantage, Joseon Dynasty surrendered after all. The war between both countries lasted just 2 months and the defeat of Joseon Dynasty was already actually anticipated from the beginning of war. Joseon Dynasty was inferior to Qing Dyasnty in all factors such as strategy and tactics, acquired information on the opponent, mobilized military force, weapon and military supplies. Though this Vv'ar was anticipated in advance, Joseon Dynasty faced war without actual preparation because of the public opinion that was biased to just cause with Ming Dynasty. Lee, Kyung Seok who wrote Samjeondo Monument after the Byeongja horan already recognized before the war that Joseon Dynasty could not compete against Qing Dynasty in military force. Therefore, he urged the government to actively prepare for diplomatic negotiation with Qing Dynasty, but failed because of the prevalent public opinion biased to rejection of amicable settlement. Since the atmosphere in the government based on "Respect Ming and Expel Qing" overwhelmingly compelled rejection of amicable settlement, his judgment was not easily accepted. Even during the war, Lee Kyung Seok prudently reviewed the content of credentials in the negotiation of amicable settlement with Qing Dynasty. Furthermore, he managed affairs with realistic thought and posture, for instance lessening the number of arrested promoters of rejection of amicable settlement. Subdued by Qing Dynasty after all, Joseon Dynasty had to build the monument of merit and virtue of Tai Zhong as they compelled. Then, in writing the sentences, the writer of the age, Lee Kyung Seok was forced to bear all burden irrespective of his own intent. At that time, the sentences should be written by somebody. Assuming the title of Jehag of Yemungwan at that time, he was in the first priority. (Note: Jehag: name of public title in the Joseon Dynasty. High ranked public official working in Yemungwan. Yemungwan: Public office in Joseon Dynasty which was in charge of writing the Royal decree and religious order) Solicited by King Injo, he unavoidably wrote the sentence. If his warning had been noted before the war and government had prepared countermeasure, this disgrace and shame could have been prevented. After all, the overall outcomes after the outbreak of war such as surrender of Joseon Dynasty and construction of monument were derived from the incompetent measure of the government which failed to accurately recognize the trend of actual international politic situation and changing balance of power.