This dissertation provides a foundational study and an annotated translation of Jicheonjip, the collected works of Jicheon Hwang Jeong-uk (1532–1607), a prominent bureaucratic writer (Gwangak-munin) who was active during the reigns of King Myeongjon...
This dissertation provides a foundational study and an annotated translation of Jicheonjip, the collected works of Jicheon Hwang Jeong-uk (1532–1607), a prominent bureaucratic writer (Gwangak-munin) who was active during the reigns of King Myeongjong and King Seonjo.
The dissertation consists of two main parts: Part 1, "Basic Research," and Part 2, "Annotated Translation." The research part examines previous scholarship, the author's life and literary networks, bibliographical details of the collection, and the characteristics of his poetry. The translation part provides a scholarly, annotated translation of Jicheonjip.
Chapter 1 reviews the existing research from two perspectives: "research history" and "translation history," and outlines the necessity of a new scholarly translation. The research history provides a comprehensive overview of specialized studies on Jicheon, as well as his portrayal in general surveys of Korean literary history, Sino-Korean literature, and the history of Sino-Korean poetry. The translation history discusses significant translation efforts since Yi Byeong-ju’s selected translations in 1965, evaluating the significance and limitations of the first complete translation of the collection.
Chapter 2 explores Jicheon’s life and the nature of his social and literary networks, focusing on his associations with the Seoin (Western) faction, influential figures, and his disciples. His life is categorized into three stages: "Learning," "Official Career," and "Later Years," with key career milestones and events described for each period.
Chapter 3 examines the bibliographical aspects and characteristics of Jicheonjip. It discusses the publication process, various editions, the location and loss of woodblocks, and the organization of the collection. It highlights the significance of the first edition as the primary source for this translation and introduces five newly discovered poems. Furthermore, it analyzes the small-character original notes (wonju) in the first edition, concluding that they are the author’s own annotations (jaju).
Chapter 4 outlines the characteristics of Jicheon’s poetic literature, covering its formation, development, themes, forms, and techniques. It also explores his literary views based on his works and critiques by contemporaries like Heo Gyun, while examining how Joseon dynasty scholars perceived him as a man of letters.
Chapter 5 discusses Jicheon’s status in the history of Korean poetry in Classical Chinese and the overall significance of this dissertation.
Part 2 presents the annotated translation of Jicheonjip. This includes the entirety of Volumes 1 through 4 and both volumes of the Appendices. The translation covers not only Jicheon’s own works but also those of other writers exchanged with him, which are essential for a complete understanding of the context. Additionally, newly discovered works—including two seven-character quatrains, three five-character regulated poems, and one preface are translated and included