가사를 통해 본 중국과 일본 - 〈무자서행록〉과〈일동장유가〉를 중심으로

China and Japan in lyrics(歌辭)

&nbsp;&nbsp;Choson&quot;s diplomatic envoys dispatched to China and Japan are more important in their mission of cultural exchange than in that of political and economic exchange. The private records of their trip are considered to be true records of cultural exchange. Their lyrics in particular show their vivid experience of a new awareness of our people in the process of meeting with China and Japan. It is understood in the lyrics that Choson has a strong pride in its tradition of art and music. Being in contact with these two countries, however, Choson realizes its actual limitation and thereby comes to recognize a necessity of change.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;To be more specific, the two lyrical works of "Ildongjangyuga" and "Mujaseohangnok" clearly indicate that Choson had a superiority over China and Japan in Confucianism. Especially Choson&quot;s envoys sent to Japan had a high pride in culturally advanced Choson, writing poems for Japan and conveying Confucianism to Japan. And they had a critical view of barbarous customs in both countries.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, however, seeing the urban civilization of Ch&quot;ing and Japan, Choson&quot;s envoys could not help but be surprised at the changed reality and finally praise flourishing towns and new civilization of the two countries. It is in these two works that a variety of foods such as food of noblemen, food of royal family, food of ordinary people, and food in general stores are introduced. It is noteworthy that sweet potatoes were introduced at this time to relieve the Choson people suffering from starvation. A realistic attitude of the envoys is seen in their great interest in the food.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;These three countries influenced each other through the cultural exchange and made a gradual transition to modern countries. Despite their experience of war against each other, the three countries were in peace for about 200 years with positive attitudes. This experience of being coexistent in peace and cooperation will be a good lesson to today&quot;s three countries in East Asia, which are vehemently competing for hegemonism and militarism.