In Goryeo, hunting was not just military training or a hobby activity. It was a very important occupation. Livestock farming began early, but it had a difficult time spreading broadly due to its need for agricultural byproducts. Wildlife provided various resources that human beings needed along with livestock. People would hunt savage beasts such as the tiger, leopard, bear, and wolf. They would also hunt the roe deer, deer, hare, and boar. The hawk and the pheasant were the most important birds to hunt. It is estimated that the hare, pheasant, deer, roe deer, and fox were captured most. Once captured, wildlife served various uses. The tiger, leopard, bear, marten, otter, deer, and roe deer provided previous skins, and the marten and fox supplied clothes materials. The deer, hare, and wild goose were used as offerings at important sacrificial ceremonies at the national level. The most important use of wildlife was food. Good examples of wildlife that provided food materials include the deer, roe deer, hare, boar, and pheasant. Wildlife was traded in the market or used as a gift or bribe. Being recognized for their international value, the hawk, tiger, bear, leopard, marten, and otter skins served very important purposes in diplomatic relations. Almost all the social classes engaged in hunting. Local officials and military commanders would mobilize many people on their hunting trips. Yangsucheok and Hwacheok engaged in hunting as their full-time job. Hunting was very dangerous and hindered farming often, which made the government put restrictions on hunting. An emphasis on livestock farming was deeply related to hunting as the spread of livestock farming led to a lower need for hunting. It was very important how the government would deal with Yangsucheok that was fully devoted to hunting as a job while serving no compulsory labor. Between late Goryeo and early Joseon, there were active efforts to reduce discrimination against them including providing them with farming land, helping them settle down in an agricultural village, encouraging them to marry common people, and changing their title to Baekjeong. The strong martial nature of the Goryeo society is deeply connected to the prevalence of hunting as hunting required archery and horse riding skills along with bravery and agility.
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Jun 30, 2022
Andrew Y Cho + 6
Open Access
