조선초기 대명정보의 활용과 사행(使行) 파견

Abstract

Diplomatic relations in the early Joseon Dynasty were basically carried out through the dispatch of envoys. Joseon and Ming maintained exchanges by continuously dispatching envoys in situations where the relationship between Joseon and Ming deteriorated or improved. However, the period in which they exchanged while frequently dispatching envoys to each other in the relationship between the ministers was relatively short. The period corresponding to this is about the reign of King Taejong and the first half of the reign of King Sejong. Through this, Joseon established a system of exchange between the two countries while stabilizing the relationship with Ming.
 The biggest feature of envoys dispatched by Joseon during the reigns of King Taejong and King Sejong was to collect information on matters of interest and take action as quickly as possible by using it. Joseon, even without official contact, used various information resources to grasp the Ming situation. Based on the information collected, Joseon preemptively prepared envoys corresponding to each diplomatic issue. In particular, Joseon was able to greatly improve the relationship between the two countries by taking advantage of the Ming civil war situation. However, among Ming members, there were those who expressed dissatisfaction with Joseon's intelligence activities and the method of dispatching envoys. In the end, Joseon maintained the relationship between the two countries by actively collecting Ming information and partially adjusting the method of dispatching envoys.