『택리지』를 통해 본 이중환의 역사인식

Abstract

Examined in this article are the life and family of Yi Jung-hwan, the author of 『Taek’ri-ji』. Also examined is the internal structure of 『Taek’ri-ji』, and his documentation of the wars with the Japanese and Qing forces, as well as King Taejong’s repeated dispatching of emissaries to Yi Seong-gye in Ham’heung, and a person named Hong Sun-eon. Analysis of his own recording of historical figures and events would hopefully shed some light upon his own historical point of view. 『Taek’ri-ji』 is primarily a source of geographical information, but contains many historical details as well. This was because Yi Jung-hwan was very much interested in history, and wanted to include local historical references (as well as his own opinions, some thoughts that came to his mind) in the book as much as possible. But there are some discrepancies between the documentation in this book and those in other sources. In this 『Taek’ri-ji』 there are no source of references, so we cannot confirm what kind of sources Yi Jung-hwan consulted. If he wrote this book based upon his own knowledge and memories, that would sure be an extraordinary thing. Also, considering the fact that 『Taek’ri-ji』 was widely circulated at the time, this book may have contained historical details that were known and understood by many of the Joseon people at the time. But unfortunately, unlike other historical texts like 『Yeollryeo-shil Gisul』 or 『Seong’ho Sa’seol』, this book is not based on meticulous confirmation of historical facts, so one should be careful in using it as a source of historical information. All the things in 『Taek’ri-ji』 should be compared with the contents of 『Yeollryeo-shil Gisul』 or the Annals of the Joseon dynasty.