世宗의 對倭 포용정책과 犯罪증가실태

Abstract

The present study examined King Sejong's appeasement policy toward the Japanese and a subsequent increase in crimes. King Sejong's policy resulted from a sense of superiority against Japan which had lasted since the period of the Three States. In other words, self-confidence of handing down a superior culture led to the appeasement policy. The appeasement policy applied not only to the Japanese but also to the people in other neighboring countries. People in Yeogin Tribe and Yugu Country, influenced by the peaceful reign of King Sejong, became naturalized as Chosun citizens. However, the appeasement policy also increased the crimes by people in neighboring countries. The increase in crimes were mainly due to cultural gap, selfish desires, and the corruption of bureaucracy. The bureaucrats in Chosun made false reports of capturing the enemies and smuggled forbidden articles with the Japanese. The communications government officials often took out articles in excess of what was allowed.The Japanese assaulted and murdered among themselves and smuggled forbidden articles into Chosun. They also forged a permission of trade in Chosun. Though the laws regulating the Japanese were strengthened, they could not prevent the crimes arising from increase in traffic between both countries and selfish desires of merchants.King Sejong implemented the appeasement policy to prevent the infiltration of the Japanese and to obtain the necessary goods; but increase in crimes was also inevitable due to differences in customs or cultures.