朴文秀 전승의 역사적 기반 탐색

Abstract

In Korean history, there have been characters that have become the heroes or heroines of local folklore as intellectuals and have been handed on widely. Their stories have been loved by many people in every social status, class, or period regardless of official reviews. Furthermore, the stories have been confronted with historical records. Sometimes, they have been accepted as historical facts beyond their authority. This phenomenon proves that Korean history has not been dominated by a single authority but has maintained a wholesome being where many perspectives and values have existed. Park Mun-su(1691~1756) is one of the main characters, who has been handed on under the absolute love of intellectuals out of office and the general public after his death. The purpose of this study is to review the actual historical facts of Park Mun-su and to research the relations of folklore to history.

Park Mun-su grew up in misfortune, which meant that his father and grandfather passed away consecutively when he was still a child. Under these adverse circumstances, he became to have extraordinary needs for high achievement. After he had entered government service, he had a special relationship with King Youngjo. The relationship continued until he died. While he took office for about thirty years, he showed unique political trails. His trails can be summarized as follows: He did not focus on theories or parties but showed excellent abilities for actual work with a broad perspective. He also stood against power uprightly, and made every effort to plan and implement policies for lower-class people.

After he died, official commemorative projects for him were poor. Intellectuals out of office and the general public have written and handed on many stories. This can be interpreted that the public held the dominant power in check collective-unconsciously and participated in the assessment of history. As a result of analysis, most of the stories about Park Mun-su written later were based on his achievements and disposition. The public has accepted his down-to-earth personality with an affinity, and has described him as a witty character. The public has also projects their wishes into his administrative abilities, and has created his image as a salvager. There is a broad contact between history and folklore. The historical facts have provided dynamics for handing on folklore. Folklore has not stopped making efforts to participate in history.