The Gye-am Daily Journal is a precious historical record that
sheds light on various political incidents, which took place in the
middle of the Joseon Dynasty including the movements of learned
men of Ye-an in the 16th century. This thesis aimed to investigate
into the daily affairs of the time, such as sacrificial rites, customs
and practices, diseases, healing, sightseeing, boating, civil service
examination and government position, with a view to understanding
the life of a learned man of Ye-an named Ryeong Kim living in the
16th century.
The investigations help in learning about the processes where
the sacrificial rites derived from the Juza Family Practices had
been settled and established in the country districts during the 16th
century. Furthermore, an insight is given into the divisions and
conflicts among the disciples of Toe-gye immediately before his
death and into their efforts to coordinate the struggles. It is
revealed that, in the process of those incidents, Ryeong Kim
definitely would not pursue government posts but rather a life of
a Taoist;also revealed was that group bullying was the reason for
his antagonism toward government positions.
The journal was written in the 17th century when Joseon
Dynasty encountered internal and external troubles such as the
Injo Revolt and the Manchu Invasions of Korea in 1627 and 1636.
Also, the journal contains plain descriptions ofJoseon’s attitude
towards the Qing and Ming Dynasties of China, the hardships of
the people during their national crises, and the behaviors of local
government officials who were not concerned about the national
problems but only their own private profits. Moreover, descriptions
are also graphically made of the demeanors of Ryeong Kim as a
learned man living in the 16th century, whose would-be
government employees frequently visited to ask for government
positions and who they were willing to select to be the ringleader
of joint appeals to the king.