고려시대 귀화인의 역할과 영향

A denizen’s Role and Influence in Koryo Dynasty

We can observe a broad, overall influence by denizens on many areas in Koryo Dydnasty. The biggest influence is observed in the field of medicine. Since 1059(文宗13), medical doctors and officials from Sung(宋) Dynasty had entered Koryo by Koryo’s request, and as a result, Koryo’s medical system was established and leveled up. In addition, specialists in medicine from Sung were naturalized to broaden and solidify the base of Koryo’s medical study and industry. Likewise influence is also found in the import of the manufacturing techniques of explosive powders and guns. General Mu-Seon Choi got much help from Yi-Won(李元), a craftsman from the southern part of China in manufacturing powders and founded Hwa Tong Do Gam(火桶都監), an institute of technology of explosives. Moreover, most of the participants in manufacturing and experimenting powders and related weapons in Hwa Tong Do Gam were denizens from China, notably. In the field of books and printing techniques that Koryo Dynasty had a big interest in, denizens from China played an important role. Besides, we can see some influence from some Chinese merchants in the development of ship construction techniques, and from Yeojin(女眞) and Chitan(契丹) tribes in the manufacturing of clothes, accessaries, and carpets with furs and horsehair. It is also noted that in the last years of Koryo Dynasty, the carpenters from Won(元) Dynasty contributed to the development of construction and civil engineering techniques. Regarding influence on cultural aspect, denizens who were translators are notable in a sense that owing to them, foreign language study and education began in Koryo Dynasty. However, the denizens of translators misconducted themselves and as a result, they gave a bad impression to Koryo people. Next, there were some denizens who worked for Koryo, in particular, those from China who are good at a melody rhythm, in the field of music, amusement games, and courtesy. Other areas that were influenced by denizens are Buddhism, paintings and calligraphic works, ceramic arts, and so on. An interesting area among them is the art of divination and reading face for fortunetelling, although we do not have specific evidence or cases now. Koryo had tried to stand alone and develop its national power and culture, excluding interference or influence from the other countries and tribes since its foundation. Even though Koryo actively accepted denizens and utilized their knowledge and experience, it was based on solid independency and denizens colored Koryo society with variety and diversity. In conclusion, owing to the denizens, independency and autonomy of Koryo Dynasty rather got clearer, and the culture and techniques that the denizens brought to Koryo were mingled and harmonized with Koryo’s traditional culture to eventually create Koryo’s unique culture with variety.