Gyuwon Sahwa
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The Gyuwon Sahwa(규원사화) is a text which describes ancient Korean history including the creation of the universe, and is considered to be written in 1675 or before 1925.
The name of this book was first mentioned in 'Danjeon Youi(단전요의, 檀典要義)' which was published in 1925, and introduced a part of the contents. A copy of the transcription, which Dr. Yang Judong collected before 1940, was first published in 1968. However, the book which is believed to be transcibed in Joseon Dynasty era and is now kept in the National Library of Korea, was discovered, and authenticated by its Ancient Texts Examination Committee in 1972.
In Gyuwon Sahwa, the author calls himself "Buk-aeja" (북애자/北崖子) or "old man Buk-ae" (北崖老人), which can be a Buddhist title. The book states that it is based on Jinyeok Yugi (진역유기, 震域遺記), which was written by Yi Myeong(이명, 李茗), and no longer exists. Several of the China's mythical rulers are mentioned, although slightly different in detail from the Chinese Sagi.
Today, its principal value is generally seen in its role as a historical story reflecting the consciousness of the period, rather than as a historical record. [1] Similar contents are also found in Hwandan Gogi, which is generally believed to have been influenced by the Gyuwon Sahwa[2].
In the conference of "Cooperative Conference about Dangun and Gojoseon by North and South Korean Historians" held in 2002[3], Professor Son Jongyeong concluded that Gyuwon Sahwa is a real historical record of Gojoseon and is worthy of research. Additionally, the chronicle of Danguns from the 1st Dangun to the 47th Dangun described in Gyuwon Sahwa are cited in the book titled Gojoseon Ryeoksa Gaegwan(The Outline of Gojoseon History published in North Korea)[4].
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[edit] Contents
The book consists of five parts: Prologue(揆園史話序), Jopan-gi(肇判記), Taesigi(太始記), Dangun-gi(檀君記), and Epilogue(漫說).
- The Prologue and Epilogue consist of the author's comments. The author states that the contents are based on Yi Myeong's Jinyeok Yugi (진역유기, 震域遺記), a late Goryeo dynasty text which in turn is based on Jodaegi, a Balhae history text. Neither survives today, but Jodaegi is mentioned in Annals of Joseon Dynasty of King Sejo era.
- Jopan-gi describes Hwan-in, Hwanung and the division of heaven and earth and the origins of life and humans;
- Taesigi describes the rule of shinshi(神市氏) and other legendary god-like sages who ruled over humanity for 11,000 years. In addition, semi-legedary ruler Chiwoo is described to have defeated Chinese Yellow Emperor.
- Dangun-gi describes the Dangun Joseon (also 'Danguk' or 'Baedalguk') which lasted 1205 years and was ruled by several Imgeum (kings). 'Dangun' means the king of Dan-nation. 'Imgeum' was used as the title name of rulers in Gyuwon Sahwa.
[edit] Notes
- ^ 규원사화. Pascal Encyclopedia. Retrieved on 2006-11-12., see also 규원사화. Korean Britannica. Retrieved on 2006-11-12.
- ^ 규원사화. Korean Britannica. Retrieved on 2006-11-12.
- ^ 단군 및 고조선 관계 비사들에 대한 이해 (규원사화를 중심으로) (About the Historical Records of Dangun and Gojoseon: focusing on Gyuwon Sahwa), 단군 및 고조선에 대한 역사학자들의 공동 학술토론회(Cooperative Conference about Dangun and Gojoseon by North and South Korean Historians), 평양인민문화궁전, October 3rd, 2002
- ^ 허종호, 고조선력사 개관, 사회과학출판사 (2001)
