이토정 ‘수묘축방(守墓築坊)’ 관련 기록과 현지전설

Abstract

Tojeong, Lee Jiham (1517-1578) was one of the gentry, intellectuals in mid-Joseon Dynasty. He distinguished himself by demonstrating unique idea and behavior among general Sung Confucianism scholars. Thus, he drew attention from public at that time and his life was documented by producing a number of sub-types in folktales. He was represented as one of the figure legend characters of Joseon Dynasty. Tojeong's legend showed locality as he traveled here and there a lot in a country. Therefore, it was necessary to focus on and investigate those areas where he had lived or stayed in order to explore legend about him. This study sought for Tojeong's legend as one of local legends. Ancient documents provided that Tojeong tried to build bank at the mouth of the ocean in Boryeong area to keep his parents' tomb safe from tidal waves, however, this work was not completed and some of his works has remained up until now. The remains of the bank demonstrated he worked vigorously in the days of his youth and also provided he was renowned for filial devotion. One of the purposes of this study was to investigate the characters of the legend on those remains. However, the results of field trips to Boryeong area confirmed that his works in bank building had not been reserved in folktales quite well for next generations; because his parents' tomb influenced more in folktales than his works of bank building did. The focus on tomb, rather than bank building, brought the 'mulmok'(a place at which the water flows in and out) became important, therefore, the location of bank remains were regarded as less important as 'mulmok'. In fact, the remains of bank building had a great importance in history; however, it has become of little importance as a source of folktale.