읍지총담 서설- 조선 중기 사찬읍지의 서사에 대한 관심과 그 의미 -

초록

This study aims to identify and report a significant aspect of the history of narrative literature found in Sachan Eupji (privately compiled local gazetteers), which were intensively produced during the mid-Joseon period. Following the conclusion of the 15th-century trend of compiling government-sponsored gazetteers covering the entire nation, local gazetteers focusing on individual towns proliferated for approximately 200 years, beginning in the mid-16th century. These records are termed Sachan Eupji because they were compiled by officials appointed to the region or by local intellectuals. Notably, about half of these works contain a distinct section dedicated to collecting and recording various stories related to the region. This is a unique feature rarely seen in the earlier tradition of gazetteer compilation, symbolized by the Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam (Revised Survey of the Geography of Korea), nor is it found in the government-compiled gazetteers that appeared after the so-called "Order to Submit Local Gazetteers" (Eupji Sangsongryeong) was issued in the mid-18th century. This study defines these sections as a specific corpus termed "Eupji Chongdam (Collected Stories in Local Gazetteers)" and focuses on examining their current status and literary characteristics. By reviewing 30 different Sachan Eupji, this study verifies the scale and scope of Eupji Chongdam. Furthermore, it investigates their aspects as narrative literature, including the mechanisms of creation and reception, stylistic topography, subject matter, and thematic orientation. Based on this analysis, the study highlights that Eupji Chongdam played a special role as a medium where local stories converged and as a channel through which local literati expressed their interest in narratives. The existence of Eupji Chongdam offers an alternative perspective for understanding the landscape and development of narrative literature in the Joseon Dynasty. This subject holds significant academic potential. It is hoped that this study serves as a foundation, and continued research is eagerly anticipated.

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