This research project will investigate aspect and inheritance process of hereditary learning focused on Sŏng, U-chŭng(成祐曾) and Sŏng, In-ho(成仁鎬) based on documents of Yŏnhaeng(燕行, diplomatic mission). Father and son’s Yŏnhaeng had a gap between 50 year ...
This research project will investigate aspect and inheritance process of hereditary learning focused on Sŏng, U-chŭng(成祐曾) and Sŏng, In-ho(成仁鎬) based on documents of Yŏnhaeng(燕行, diplomatic mission). Father and son’s Yŏnhaeng had a gap between 50 years, so there are some points which are captured aspects of hereditary learning and history of Yŏnhaeng.
This research has three main parts, research on the Sŏng, U-chŭng’s entire life and recognition about Yŏnhaeng focused on tradition and succession of hereditary learning, research on the aspect and meanings of companionship between Sŏng, U-chŭng and scholars in the Qing dynasty in the first half of the 19th century, and research on the aspect and meanings of companionship between Sŏng, In-ho and Scholars in the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th Century.
First, Sŏng, U-chŭng emphasized mission of Ch'ŏmguk(覘國, investigation of state affairs) to be an excellent envoy. He was not the only one person that emphasized mission of Ch'ŏmguk which could directly affect Chosŏn. Kim, Cho-sun(金祖淳) and Ryu, Pon-hak(柳本學) who were contemporary people were concerned about the decline of the Qing and highlighted observation of situation in China. But Sŏng, U-chŭng was seriously worried about outposts of Chosŏn resulted from the decline of the Qing. In actuality, the Qing dynasty has only a slim chance of confrontation with Chosŏn. It is important that he examined influence on Chosŏn resulted from the decline in the Qing from various angles and presented countermeasure. The background was that it had a decisive effect on knowledge and awareness of ancestors.
Second, diplomatic mission in the year of Muin(1818) was Tŭkŭich'ŏ(得意處) and companionship with scholars in the Qing dynasty for Sŏng, U-chŭng. Their companionship lasted from 1818 to 1821. He met Do Ju(陶澍) and Jin, Yong-gwang(陳用光) who were well-known in the Qing dynasty. Sŏng, U-chŭng met Do Ju in 1819, and gave two pieces of serial poetry titled「贈陶給事雲汀澍」. In poems, he expressed Do Ju’s high spirit and the force of his written style and felt sorry for him in such a situation that he could not receive high praise. Do Ju also gave two pieces of serial poetry titled「次韻再答成進士見贈」for him. In poems, he praised Sŏng, U-chŭng as his study and poetic genius.
After his return to Chosŏn, he sent a letter(「與陶給事澍書」) to Do Ju, and he wrote him that he appreciated great kindness and expressed an overflowing joy at that time. Do Ju also wrote a poem titled「次韻答高麗進士成茗山祐曾題印心石屋集」. In poems, he praised Sŏng, U-chŭng as poetic genius and expressed the deep sadness of parting. Sŏng, U-chŭng sent two letters(「寄陳侍御用光」,「與陳御史用光書」) to Jin, Yong-gwang, and he wrote him that their relationship was filled with joy called true relationship(神交).
They exchanged poems which were related to compliments of personality and poetic talent, and expressed wishfulness and longing for saying goodbye. They are not always ceremonial, they are much more sincere and truthful. It is not that short time to be to hail fellow of three or four years. It is sufficient to say that their relationship is Tŭkŭich'ŏ as well as true relationship.
Third, Sŏng, In-ho met scholars in the Qing dynasty on a diplomatic mission in the year of Kisa(1869) as Chajegun'gwan(子弟軍官) of Pusa(副使). During his stay in Ok'agwan(玉河館) and Yurich'ang(琉璃廠), he met Wangjŏn(王瑔), T'akpyŏngyŏm(卓秉炎), Mabŏn'gang(馬蕃康), and Wang Ŭnsŏk(王恩錫). These people build personal network based on regionalism and school relationship, revolved around Wangjŏn and T'akpyŏngyŏm they became a group.
In the Poem titled「贈卓友蓮丙炎」, they highly praised the bookcraft of T'akpyŏngyŏm and emphasized how close to him. Under five lines, there put in a footnote such as both brothers are good at paintings and calligraphic works. In other words, it gives a special word of mention to the brothers that do well paintings and calligraphic works and succeed to hereditary learning. The last two lines recited his mind that could not put up with inconvenience. While with a feeling of regret, he gave four pieces of serial poetry to Wangjŏn, titled「次王鶴蓀贈別韻」as a present.
Meanwhile, on the way back Chosŏn, their relationship that he made between Wangjinji who was the prominent person of the time in Jizhou(薊州) is very interesting. Because of short-term relationship, Wangjinji felt sorrow of parting. So he visited accommodation of Chosŏn envoy with a piece of an ume flower painting and two packs of rice cake in his sleeve. Chosŏn envoy that must depart for their country tomorrow was moved by the affectionate act of Wangjinji. So they decided to stay one more day. That day, they stayed with Wangjinji and built a strong relationship. In that respect, the relationship between them was indeed true friendship, so called Ch'ŏnaejigi(天涯知己).
The pleasure and lingering imagery of that day were well described on two poems titled「行到薊州, 次王竹舫晉之贈梅畵韻」and「贈王竹舫」. Especially the poem titled「行到薊州, 次王竹舫晉之贈梅畵韻」is a masterpiece which is well expressed in the wrench of parting pathetically and frankly.