This study examines the types and formats of diplomatic documents in the Taesanghwang Jeonwi Munjeok (Records of the Retired Emperor's Abdication), a vernacular Korean (Eonhae) text held by the Jangseogak Archives, and analyzes the process of their cr...
This study examines the types and formats of diplomatic documents in the Taesanghwang Jeonwi Munjeok (Records of the Retired Emperor's Abdication), a vernacular Korean (Eonhae) text held by the Jangseogak Archives, and analyzes the process of their creation and the characteristics of their translation. The Taesanghwang Jeonwi Munjeok is a collection of documents concerning the abdication of the Qing Emperor Qianlong (the Retired Emperor). It contains Korean translations of diplomatic correspondence between Joseon and Qing, envoy reports, and discussions regarding the diplomatic mission from November 1795 to January 1796. Notably, no corresponding Chinese-language version with identical content has survived.
This research primarily focuses on the diplomatic documents exchanged in November 1795. Specifically, it analyzes the formats and translation styles of key documents, including the official communication (Jamun) from the Qing Ministry of Rites announcing the abdication and the Joseon King’s reply; the ceremonial memorials (Saeunpyo) and official memorials (Saeunju) expressing gratitude for the imperial edict; the congratulatory memorials (Jinhapyo) for the abdication and enthronement; and the accompanying lists of tribute goods (Bangmulpyo, Bangmulju, and Bangmuljamun). T he s tudy f inds t hat w hile t he texts were generally translated faithfully using a word-for-word approach, formulaic elements such as opening and closing phrases and recipient addresses were merely transliterated from Sino-Korean pronunciation into Hangeul. Furthermore, sections reiterating the contents of preceding documents were often omitted.
Additionally, by utilizing Seungjeongwon Ilgi (Daily Records of the Royal Secretariat) and Ilseongnok (Records of Daily Reflection), this study investigates the detailed deliberation process in which the Joseon court, upon receiving the Qing documents, prepared for the diplomatic mission and strove to craft diplomatic papers and tribute lists in strict accordance with protocol. Through this analysis, the study elucidates the concrete procedures undertaken by Joseon to draft and dispatch diplomatic documents in response to the Qianlong Emperor's abdication.