Dongguksa Temple Ryak

Several versions of the Dongguksa Ryak ('Brief History of the Eastern Kingdom') have been handed down, including Gwon Geun's Dongguksa Ryak from the reign of King Taejong, as well as separate works of the same title by Yi U (1469–1517), Bak Sang (1474–1530), Yu Hui-ryeong (1480–1552) and Min Je-in (1493–1549). Of these, the Dongguksa Ryak compiled by Gwon Geun covers only the period from Dangun to the end of Silla. The other versions all extend from Dangun to the end of Goryeo. The present work, however, is a six-volume, two-book edition covering the period from Dangun to the end of Goryeo, and so it appears not to be Gwon Geun's Dongguksa Ryak. In fact, this is the six-volume, two-book Dongguksa Ryak compiled in the early Joseon period by Nuljae, the pen name of Bak Sang (1474–1530). Because it shares its title with the early Joseon Dongguksa Ryak compiled by Gwon Geun, it was for a time mistakenly attributed to him. That Bak Sang was the compiler, and that the work covers the history of Goryeo, is confirmed by several records: the 'Byeongjin Jeongsarok' by Im Bo-sin in the Daedong Yaseung, which states that Bak Sang wrote a Dongguksa Ryak extending to the history of Goryeo; Kim Hyu's Haedong Munheon Chongnok, which records a six-volume work extending to the history of Goryeo; and Yi In-yeong's Cheongbunsil Seomok, which records that the surviving six-volume edition was compiled by Nuljae, Bak Sang. The date of compilation is not recorded but is presumed to be the early 16th century. Volume 1 covers the period from Dangun Joseon to the fall of Goguryeo; Volume 2 covers the history of Silla from the ninth year of King Munmu onward; and Volumes 3 to 6 cover the history of Goryeo. For ancient history, the basic annals narrate in full the histories of Dangun Joseon as well as Gija Joseon, Wiman Joseon and the Three Han, and give a general outline of the history of the Three Kingdoms. Records concerning natural phenomena are omitted, while the deeds of figures included in the biographies are recorded in full, judged by Confucian standards. For the Goryeo period, the reign-year of each king is noted before the account of events, and figures who opposed the founding of Joseon and remained loyal to the Goryeo dynasty are praised and assessed favourably. Jeong Do-jeon, who rendered great service in founding Joseon, is by contrast disparaged — reflecting the historical outlook of the Sarim faction of the mid-Joseon period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yuseong-gu, Daejeon

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료