조선 광해군대 궁궐공사에 대한 이해와 서술 - 사실, 연구, 교육의 거리와 괴리 -

Abstract

In historiography, there are discrepancies between historical facts and historical researches, and gaps between historical researches and history education. The Historiography is a field of study examining historical facts, yet such examination(research) is always accompanied and even affected by the interests and interpretations of the examiner, and education is often required to reflect the needs of the society or even that of the state. In this article, the palace construction projects in King Gwang’hae-gun’s reign is chosen as a subject which maybe useful in our examination of how facts, research and education could interact with each other either harmoniously or contentiously. BR In a society based on agricultural economy, concentrated fiscal investment is inevitable, so palatial constructions (which tend to distract resources from such effort) often threaten the stability of the system or even the regime itself. So quite early on, historians took notice of all the palatial constructions that continued during King Gwang’hae-gun’s reign. Adequate understanding and appropriate evaluation of this particular subject is crucial in determining the nature of politics that was maintained during his reign, and in understanding the ramifications of the two Horan wars that broke out during King Injo’s reign, as palatial constructions were oftentimes cited as a major catalyst for the fall of Gwang’hae-gun and the restoration staged by King Injo.BR Palatial constructions should not be examined as an isolated project, but as an event that was interconnected with other political conditions unfolding in and out of the country. First of all, these construction projects had certain influences upon the reform efforts of the tribute system, and especially the initiation of the Seonhye-beob(宣惠法) law. Second, these constructions not only hampered the above-mentioned tributary reform efforts, but caused the need for further and additional taxation. Third, it pushed local authorities’ fiscal situation almost over the edge. Fourth, prevalent at the time were provisions and receptions of necessary materials and resources, which also strongly suggests coerced submission from the weak. Fifth, even governmental seats became objects of deals, in a clandestine effort to secure money to pay for all these construction costs. Six, Gwang’ hae-gun himself was so immersed in the project, even to the extent of being derelict in his other duties. Seventh, at a time of the Hugeum rising as a new force in the north, diverting vital resources to construction projects did weaken the dynasty’s overall defense. Considering all this, it was only natural for all the scholars to be extremely critical of Gwang’hae-gun era’s palatial constructions.BR However, such understanding of the academic society is yet to be reflected in history textbooks for Middle schools as well as High schools. Current guideline for the Middle & High school History textbooks only dictate that contents underlining notions like ‘Economic policy was designed to enhance public stability (through Daedong-beob law and Land Survey projects)’ or ‘Neutral Diplomacy was upheld,’ should be included in the narrative of the textbook, while Gwang’hae-gun’s demoting of his stepmother, his killing of his own half-brother(廢母殺弟), and all the palatial constructions mentioned above, are never elaborated. The omission of this period’s such aspects borders on distortion of historical truth of this period in general.