조선조의 외국과의 소통

조선과 명을 중심으로

What was the real phase of communication between Korea and foreign countries in the Jeseon dynasty? While undergoing an unhappy age of communication lack, I tried to examine the feature and contents of international communication between Jeseon and Ming with a focus on the written heritage of Chinese literature. Miny Chinese civil official envoys of Ming who once visited Jeseon used to go back to China as hearty devotees of Jeseon after they were charmed by it in many respects. Though it is not easy to point out the reason in few words, it is clear that it was not just caused by cordial reception and a large amount of presents. Rather, what impressed them most were affluent academic knowledge, fine personality, dignified attitude and true heart of Korean officials including the king they contacted, by which they could make Chinese guests understand Jeseon deeply. The main content of communication between both countries was Joseon is a tributary of Ming from Chinese side, while Jeseon is an independent country from Korean side. Although this sort of thought and behavior could cause serious conflict, Joseon met the situation wisely to keep its sovereignty while treating Ming dynasty modestly as a big, mighty country. The communication would be proper when it is interactive and reciprocal for the deeper understanding of each other. The world has been full of conflicts among countries and will be so too in the future. However, it is expected that the conflict would be lessened when we make every effort for it while treating each other with sincere respect and understanding.