Formation and Transformation of the Reception Rituals for Munansa (Envoys of Greetings) in Shenyang During the Qing Dynasty

Shenyang served as the capital of the Qing dynasty before its conquest of China and housed the ancestral tombs of Qing emperors, including Nurhaci and Hong Taiji. After the conquest of China, Qing emperors visited Shenyang for ancestral tomb worship, known as Dongxun (Eastern Tours). During these tours, Joseon dispatched Munansa, or envoys of greetings, to inquire about the emperor's well-being and demonstrate its loyalty to the Qing dynasty. In response, the Qing court reciprocated with elaborate reception rituals and special imperial gifts, underscoring the emperor’s grace. In return, the Joseon court sent envoys of gratitude (Saeunsa) to acknowledge these honors. The reception rituals for Munansa were not initially a fixed tradition but gradually evolved over time. The mission of Yi Hon in 1698 marked the beginning of these formalized processes. Subsequent missions by Jo Hyeon-myeong in 1743 and Yu Cheok-gi in 1754 further refined the procedural framework, eventually encompassing welcoming ceremonies, imperial audiences, banquets, the presentation of gifts, and farewell rituals. These rituals reflected the Qing dynasty’s strategic intentions: to reinforce Joseon's loyalty and highlight the emperor’s magnanimity. Emperor Qianlong's special treatment of the Munansa delegations in 1743 and 1754 reaffirmed his favor toward Joseon during King Yeongjo's reign. Following Qianlong's accession, this period was marked by limited direct contact between the emperor and Joseon envoys in Beijing, making these missions particularly crucial for maintaining close diplomatic ties. In the latter half of the 18th century, the Qing dynasty’s preferential treatment of the Munansa missions became even more pronounced. Emperor Qianlong’s exceptional hospitality toward the two Munansa missions sent by King Jeongjo played a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries during this period. Furthermore, honoring the Munansa missions provided additional strategic benefits. It helped mitigate negative perceptions among Joseon officials regarding their selection for Munansa missions, alleviated suspicions surrounding the emperor's Dongxun, and countered unfavorable views of Shenyang itself.