18세기 한중 문학 교류와 유득공의 『二十一都懷古詩』

The literary exchange between Korea and China in the 18th century and Reminiscent poems of 21 capital cities by Yu Deuk-gong

Reminiscent poems of 21 capital cities by Yeong-jae, Yu Deuk-gong has been seen as a work which reflected his historical consciousness, cultural consciousness, and his intention to advance into the northern direction. This work also has a significance in the literary history of the late Joseon Dynasty and the literary exchange between Korea and China. From Dangun-Joseon to the Goryeo dynasty, there had been 21 capital cities. Reminiscent poems of 21 capital cities is a unique work about those 21 capital cities. It was introduced first in China. not in Korea, and came into the spotlight. At last it was published first in China. In this paper, I tried to explain that Yeong-jae wrote it intentionally thinking about his companionship with Chinese literary men, so-called close friend of a distant land. It has a peculiar editorial formation. He gave explanation of each country and commentary on it. This was regard for Chinese readers who were unfamiliar with historical geography of Korea. At that time a bibliographical study which laid stress on historical evidence was popular. Based on it, Yeong-jae intended to give objective informations to Chinese readers. I think he chose themes of poems based on poetic inspirations and sentiments about the rise and fall of dynasties, rather than his historical consciousness. These retrospective sentiments coincided with the poetical style of Wang Sa-jeong which swayed poetical circles of the early years of Ching Dynasty. The poetical style of Wang Sa-jeong, which expressed sentiments about the past Ming Dynasty between the lines, gained the sympathy of poets of the Han race. Yeong-jae wanted to gain the sympathy of poets of the Han race with Reminiscent poems of 21 capital cities.