16 · 17세기 朝鮮燕行使의 중국 通報 수집활동

Abstract

Printing technology made great progress in China during the 16-17th centuries. Tong-Bao (Chao Bao, or Di-Bao) as internal political reference was widely spread. The 16-17th centuries is also a period of enormous political unrest in eastern Asia. Joseon, one of Chinas neighbors, was profoundly influenced by political unrest in China. In order to deal with diplomatic affairs with China and protect its own benefits, the Joseon government paid much attention to intelligence gathering in China. The Joseon government collected a large amount of Chinese Tong-Bao through emissaries to China. Some records about Chinese Tong-Bao in Joseon historical materials are not even recorded in Chinese documents and not preserved in China, which show Tong-Baos unique value This article analyzes Joseon emissaries intelligence gathering during the 16-17th centuries, and discusses methods of intelligence gathering through Chinese officers in Yuhe Embassy and local people on their way to Beijing. At the same time, those translators in Joseon emissaries missions played a very important role in intelligence gathering. Jo Heon, an envoy went to China in 1574, recorded Tong-Bao from June to August daily in his Records of Trips to Beijing, most of which are not recorded by Chinese historical documents. There were also large quantities of Tong-Bao brought to Joseon by Joseon emissaries during the Revolt of the Three Feudatories (1673-1681).