The Aims of National Management of King Sukjong through the Poems Inspired by Paintings

Abstract

This paper analyzed the loyalty to Ming and the management style to run the country of King Sukjong pursued in the poem written by himself, during his reign. It tried to analyzed that the multi-layered meaning of pome written by King Sukjong of the paintings by the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the portraits of loyalists representing the allegiance, and the maps and astronomical maps from the following three aspects. First, Daebodan Altar was built as a strategy for the king to monopolize ritual control over the Ming emperor in relation to the construction of the Mandongmyo Shrine by Song Si-yeol's followers, in terms of emphasizing the justification for loyalty to Ming based on the revenge against the Qing Dynasty during King Sukjong’s reign. At the same time, there was a strong tendency to cherish the paintings and calligraphies of the Ming emperor and to write poem to memory for their works. In addition, during the Japanese Invasion of Korea, the belief in Guanwoo helped the generals of the Ming Dynasty expanded and the Gwanwangmyo Shrine built in Joseon with the financial support of the emperor Shinjong became an important medium for reminding the fact that the Ming Dynasty re-establish Joseon. King Sukjong wrote poems inspired by the paintings of Guanwang with the hope that he will protect Joseon. Second, the main topics of national affairs were reviewed, such as the pursuit of the royal statesmanship through the lessonary historical pictures, the acceptance of loyal advice, and the establishment of the right people for the contury. King Sukjong revealed the ways to rule the country through the painting of a boat floating on a very big ocean, Jusudo in 1675 that he liked learning, accepted loyal advice, and valued the right men. A few of poems by King Sukjong were left on paintings depicting the activities of Zhuge Liang and Akbi, who were enshrined together as a model of loyalty at Muhusa Temple in Yeongyu-hyeon. Third, King Sukjong left the poems while appreciating maps and astronomical maps, the main symbols of rule. First of all, looking at the Dongguk Map, he declared that Joseon was a small country but if it was ruled by virtue, it would be as good as China. He saw the astronomical map, which are the main means of governing, along with the map, and maintained the position that if a King cultivate virtue, his country will reach a happy occasion and if a King neglect, disaster will occur.