A Meaning of Yangjisaseok and Pungyo seen in the light of Euihae
Park, In-hee
Part Euihae[義解] of Samgukyusa[三國遺事] contains Pungyo[風謠]. So far, the Pungyo has been recognized as a sort of labor songs. However, it is not reasonable to understand Pungyo as labor songs alone, because the Part Euihae of Samgukyusa consists of stories about historic men who propagated Buddhism into ancient Korea, and Pungyo is contained in the Part Euihae.
Pungyo is contained in Article Yangjisaseok[良志使錫] under the Part Euihae. Yangji has been known as a Buddhist monk who had excellent skills in making Buddhist statue. But from the logical viewpoints of Euihae, it is found that Yangji made Buddhist statues for the purpose of propagating Buddhism nationwide. In addition, Pungyo is understood as a song for propagating Buddhism, because it contains a key message that invites people to come to cultivate and practice virtue.
It is undeniable that Pungyo was sung as favorite labor song in the era of ancient Korea. However, it may be not labor song due to the following reasons: First, Pungyo is contained the Part Euihae. Second, it is somewhat convincing that Yangj made Buddhist statues in order to propagate Buddhism. Third, Pungyo contains a key message, i.e. accept faith in Buddhism.
For these causes, it is concluded that Pungyo is a missionary song for introducing Buddhism into ancient Korea, rather than just labor song.