Dongguk yeoji seungnam

Definition

Dongguk yeoji seungnam is a historical Korean geographical text, also known as 'The Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam,' compiled during the late Joseon dynasty. This work provides detailed descriptions of the geography, culture, and customs of Korea, reflecting the knowledge and worldview of the Yangban class at that time. The text serves as an important resource for understanding how the Yangban class influenced the documentation and interpretation of Korean society and landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dongguk yeoji seungnam was completed in 1757 and aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge about Korea's geography.
2. This text reflects the intellectual interests of the Yangban class, particularly their emphasis on education and scholarly pursuits.
3. The work not only includes geographical data but also offers insights into local customs, traditions, and socio-political structures of various regions in Korea.
4. It served as a reference for officials during the Joseon period, helping them understand regional differences and administer local governance effectively.
5. Dongguk yeoji seungnam is considered one of the earliest modern geographic texts in Korea, setting a precedent for future works on Korean geography.

Review Questions

• How does dongguk yeoji seungnam reflect the values and interests of the Yangban class during the Joseon dynasty?
  • Dongguk yeoji seungnam embodies the values of the Yangban class by showcasing their commitment to education, scholarly pursuits, and an organized understanding of geography. This text highlights how they prioritized documenting knowledge about Korea’s regions, cultures, and customs, reflecting their role as intellectual leaders. It served not only as a guide for administration but also as a symbol of the Yangban's influence in shaping cultural identity through documentation.
• What role did dongguk yeoji seungnam play in the governance of regions within Joseon Korea?
  • Dongguk yeoji seungnam played a crucial role in governance by providing detailed information about different regions, which was essential for local officials to understand regional characteristics. The text's descriptions allowed administrators to tailor policies to local customs and needs. This geographic understanding fostered more effective governance during a time when regional differences were significant in social structure and economic activities.
• Evaluate the significance of dongguk yeoji seungnam in shaping modern perceptions of Korean geography and culture.
  • Dongguk yeoji seungnam has lasting significance as it laid a foundation for modern understandings of Korean geography and culture. By systematically documenting various regions, it influenced how later scholars approached Korean studies, blending historical context with geographical analysis. Its comprehensive nature provided subsequent generations with a reference point that shaped their interpretations of cultural identity and regional diversity, impacting both academic discourse and national identity in contemporary Korea.

Related terms

Yangban: The ruling elite and scholarly class in Joseon Korea, responsible for shaping societal norms, cultural practices, and governance.

Joseon Dynasty: A Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries, known for its Confucian ideals and significant contributions to culture and governance.

Geography: The study of places and the relationships between people and their environments, which in this context includes how the Yangban class understood and portrayed Korea's landscapes.