A Study on Newly Found Seoyuilgi

This study a ims to introduce Seoyuilgi, which is new material regarding sightseeing records about the Yeongnam region, and investigates its characteristics. In Korean literature, the Chinese character, Seoyu, has been used to imply sightseeing to Gaegyeong area since it means “going sightseeing to areas in the west.” However, through examination of the Seoyuilgi, this study suggests that the records imply going sightseeing in Gumi, Gimcheon, and Geochang in the Yeongnam region. There are two pieces of work with the same title, Seoyuilgi, and they were written by Hong Jae-gwan in 1904, and Mr. Shin of Pyeongsan in 1930, respectively. These two pieces a re the sa me in tha t sightseeing in mountains and rivers happened on an extension of academic learning in the Confucian standpoint, but they exhibit respective characteristics in description patterns. Seoyuilgi, written by Hong Jae-gwan, has two major patterns, and they depict landscapes through sightseeing and unfolding discussions about academic learning through social interactions with his masters and contemporary literary figures. He realizes the exquisite principle of “Hahaksangdal” after having first-hand experiences on his way to Dajeon to meet Gwak Myeon-woo. He also talks about reading methods and how to get along in the current world. The emotions that he experienced and felt on this trip reinforce his discussions further, highlighting the distinct characteristics of his work. Moreover, his work offers a peek at an aspect of his social relationships with his contemporary literary figures and the academic genealogy of Confucian scholars in Yeongnam, thus holding its significance. In his Seoyuilgi, Mr. Shin of Pyeongsan closely examines the beautiful sceneries of each tourist destination without omitting anything that his eyes capture and offers realistic descriptions about them with vitality. Instead of ending his experiences merely as sightseeing, he poetically expresses what he feels is right at that time and place ; thus, he increases the level of completion for his work. The ma in goa l of his trip is to visit scenic spots, but he a lso visits relics of previous Confucian scholars related to his ancestors. There he feels their traces and follows their taste for the arts, expressing his joy. In this process, he would get drunk heavily sometimes and write and recite poems about the emotions of sightseeing, immersing himself fully in excitement. This shows an important meaning of sightseeing in mountains and rivers.