KJCKorea
Journal Central

The Origin of <TaeWonJi>, whether it is the work of China or Korea, is not clear. Based on the previous studies, it is acknowledged as a Korean classical novel. However, there are certain questions existing regarding the novel. This dissertation is written to demonstrate that <TaeWonJi(太原誌)> could have been the work of Chinese. First of all, there had been no protagonist who created the nation in the novel written during the Joseon Dynasty era. Second, because <TaeWonJi> was written before 18th century, it must have been difficult to reflect the relative view of the world which was popular in the late 18th century in Joesen Dynasty era. Also, there is a mention on Chinese reference which is very similar to the narrative in <TaeWonJi>. While <TaeWonJi> fantasized historical facts and Jong Hwang’s amazing magic is narratively standing out, <ShinMuJun(神武傳)> has similar features. The reason why <TaeWonJi> could have been translated into <ShinMuJun> can be explained in relation to King YoungJo. In the late 18th century, King YoungJo wanted establish powerful monarch system that he was interested in Ming Firstking (JooWon－Jang) who sought the system beforehand. In addition, because novel was regarded as a type of history book that it is assumed that together with <DaeMyoungYoungRyulJun> <NamGyeYunDam>, which is related to the Joo Won－Jang, <ShinMuJun> could have been translated into <TaeWonJi>

<TaeWonJi>, The work of Chinese, <ShinMuJun>, King YoungJo