광해군대 수군 召募陣의 설치와 金海府

Abstract

After the Imjin War, the Joseon government operated around 100 warships to prevent Japan's potential re-invasion. However, with the easing of diplomatic tensions with Japan, a significant portion of the resources and manpower deployed in the navy was reduced, resulting in a decrease in the number of operational warships. Considering the possibility of Japan's re-invasion, plans were made during the early King Gwanghae period to reinforce naval forces; however, due to the damages caused by the war, recruiting new naval forces was practically impossible. Consequently, the Joseon government turned its attention to the "召募陣 (Somojin)". Somojin was a system that recruited wandering people into the military by utilizing abandoned farmland as 屯田(Dunjeon) that means garrison farm. In the 1610s, nationwide efforts were made to construct naval Somojin, and in the Kimhae region, two Somojin were established: Shinmun and Cheongcheon. Kimhae had much abandoned farmland due to the war, and some of it was conveniently located for the construction of Somojin, particularly considering the importance of defending the Nakdong River. The Somojins in the Kimhae region successfully armed warships and crew until the 1620s. However, operational challenges arose from conflicts with local residents. The key issue during these conflicts was the matter of tax exemptions for 召募軍(Somogun) that means soldier of Somojin. When local residents became part of the Somogun, the tax privileges they received were shifted to the remaining population in Kimhae. However, the most challenging factor in Somojin was the decrease in Dunjeon. As the Dunjeon given to Somogun in the mid-17th century decreased, their livelihoods became difficult, ultimately leading to a shortage of Somogun. Although new Somogun were recruited, they only paid military service taxes and were not utilized as combat forces.