김시습에 대한 기억과 문헌의 전승 양상

Abstract

This paper examines how Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty remembered Kim Si-seup(金時習) and how related literature was transmitted. As is well known, Kim Si-seup was highly regarded for his integrity as one of the "SaengYukSin(生六臣)” Consequently, the memory of Kim Si-seup in the Joseon period was shaped primarily around his virtue, with his original character largely forgotten and his story simplified into a narrative focused solely on his moral steadfastness. The literature that best illustrates this narrative construction includes the 『Noryeongji』, 『Jangneungji』, and 『Jangneungsabo』, which contain accounts of Kim Si-seup’s life. This paper specifically analyzes these texts to explore the nature of this narrative construction. In contrast, there is an alternative memory of Kim Si-seup that was forgotten during the Joseon Dynasty. This is found in 『Maewoldangisayurok(梅月堂詩四遊錄)』, compiled by the Northern faction scholar Gi Ja-heon(奇自獻). Although Gi Ja-heon also remembered Kim Si-seup as a Confucian scholar and a man of virtue, his approach differed. 『Maewoldangisayurok』 retained Kim Si-seup's Buddhist aspects and works that might seem contrary to his Confucian virtue, seeking to capture his genuine character. While Gi Ja-heon shared the intent of integrating Kim Si-seup into the Confucian world, he chose to preserve his works in their entirety and emphasized his travels and poetic persona, compiling Kim Si-seup's poems from the perspective of a travelogue and guidebook. Memory and literature are strongly interconnected, with surviving memories influencing forgotten ones. For instance, in later editions of 『Maewoldangisayurok』 the account of Kim Si-seup attending the Won Gak Temple’s ritual was omitted. This deletion reflects the impact of the era's context of remembering Kim Si-seup solely for his virtue on the later versions of the text. Such modifications in response to historical and political contexts highlight the limitations of historical memory. This underscores the necessity for contemporary scholars to transcend disciplinary and religious boundaries and strive to understand the complete character of Kim Si-seup.