@article{ART003271760},
author={Hyunsung Hong},
title={A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library},
journal={The Research of the Korean Classic},
issn={1226-3850},
year={2025},
number={71},
pages={279-310}
TY - JOUR
AU - Hyunsung Hong
TI - A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library
JO - The Research of the Korean Classic
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 71
PB - The Research Of The Korean Classic
SP - 279
EP - 310
SN - 1226-3850
AB - This study investigates the material characteristics and literary value of Sinjong Hwangje Mundap, a manuscript preserved at the Harvard- Yenching Library. The work narrates Emperor Shenzong’s secret excursion and his encounters with various figures during his journey to seek a bride, culminating in his return to the palace. The most prominent episode is his dialogue with General Li Rusong, portrayed as his elder brother-in-law. Despite its distinctive content—particularly the fictional setting of Shenzong and Li as brothers-in-law—the work has long escaped scholarly attention. It is presumed to be among the novels read by King Yeongjo, providing a significant clue for understanding the creative and reading culture of eighteenth-century Korean fiction. According to the Seungjeongwon Ilgi (Diary of the Royal Secretariat), King Yeongjo once remarked—based on a novel—that Emperor Shenzong and Li Rusong were brothers-in-law, and Sinjong Hwangje Mundap remains the only known work that includes this narrative setting. Centered on Shenzong’s secret journey and quest for marriage, the story actively incorporates oral narrative motifs such as the “King’s Secret Excursion” and the “Youngest Son-in-law’s Success.” By transforming the historical relationship between Shenzong and Li into a fictionalized, entertainment-oriented narrative, the work displays playful imagination while portraying the eunuch Jang Taegam as a loyal and capable aide. Merging folkloric imagination with historical narrative, it provides a multidimensional portrayal of Shenzong’s character absent from official histories, while overturning conventional negative views of eunuchs. Ultimately, Sinjong Hwangje Mundap stands as a unique fusion of historical fact and folkloric imagination, offering valuable evidence of eighteenth-century fiction’s fascination with amusement, its social engagement, and its role as a medium for articulating the voices of those on the social periphery.
KW - Wanli Emperor;Yeongjo;Li Rusong;Harvard-Yenching Library;Successful Youngest Son-in-Law Narrative
DO -
UR -
ER -
Hyunsung Hong. (2025). A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library. The Research of the Korean Classic, 71, 279-310.
Hyunsung Hong. 2025, "A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library", The Research of the Korean Classic, no.71, pp.279-310.
Hyunsung Hong "A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library" The Research of the Korean Classic 71 pp.279-310 (2025) : 279.
Hyunsung Hong. A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library. 2025; 71 : 279-310.
Hyunsung Hong. "A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library" The Research of the Korean Classic no.71(2025) : 279-310.
Hyunsung Hong. A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library. The Research of the Korean Classic, 71, 279-310.
Hyunsung Hong. A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library. The Research of the Korean Classic. 2025; 71 279-310.
Hyunsung Hong. A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library. 2025; 71 : 279-310.
Hyunsung Hong. "A Study on Sinjong Hwangje Mundap Housed at the Harvard-Yenching Library" The Research of the Korean Classic no.71(2025) : 279-310.
