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The institutionalization of Gwongwan : the junior military commander of Joseon

  • military history
  • 2024, (132), pp.285-323
  • Publisher : Military History Institute, MND
  • Research Area : Humanities > History
  • Received : July 10, 2024
  • Accepted : September 7, 2024
  • Published : September 15, 2024

Lee Cheolhui 1

1SK(주)

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine the provincial troops of Joseon Dynasty with a particular focus on Gwongwan from its beginning in the 15th century to 18th century around which it was finally legalized. The conventional understanding has been that frontier forts of Joseon were led by Manho (myriarchs) and Gwongwan (centurions). However, the study of Gwongwan has been left uncharted. The term Gwongwan originated from a general word meaning ‘to administer provisionally’. Its first appearance was in 1431, around which it meant a temporary military commander not having a fixed fort. Since the late 15th century, Gwongwan had assumed responsibility for local defense, and the bases under their command became permanently fortified. In 1543, the policy and regulations regarding them were organized so that the central government could administer their personnel management. Gwongwan became integrated into the legal code finally in 1746, which stipulated their headcount, posts, and bureaucratic rank. The process of their legalization shows a long-term trend that their status had became similar to that of Manho. The system of Gwongwan was originally called upon to respond to the changing circumstances in the frontier. The self-defense and self-sufficiency principle of Joseon's policy regarding provincial troops were the essences of the Gwongwan system.

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