The Compilation and Initial Publication of Jewang-ungi(帝王韻紀) as a Contemporary History

This essay seeks to examine Jewang-ungi from the aspect of the creation of a contemporary history. Jewang-ungi was created as a national historical chronicle(本國史) with the purpose of approaching Chinese and Korean history by separating the history of Korea as a whole(東國史)--dating from the ancient period(上古) to the Later Three Kingdoms Balhae era--from that of the Goryeo period specifically. At the same time, when considered from the historial aspect of physical location, Jewang-ungi also served as a chronicle of world history created in order to arrange events into a more general perspective. This work is thought to have been created in 1287(King Chungryeolwang 13th) in response to continuous demands for the compilation of an imperial history as the nation was entering the Yuan Interference Period, afterwards being published for the first time following a process of re-editing to ensure the work conformed to a more international viewpoint.<br/> Dedicated to King Chungryeolwang in March 1287, Jewang-ungi proved to be unable to be accepted immediately, and seven or eight years would pass before it was re-edited and subsequently published for the first time in Jinju County by imperial decree. The process of creating Jewang-ungi was transformed from one of original composition to one of compiling and editing existing material. Jewang-ungi was composed based on the submit period, king’s attendance to the Mongol court period, and other works, before being delivered to the Yuan, likewise in response to its demands. In this regard, scholars can recognize the work Jewang-ungi as a continuation of the existing trend of contemporary histories edited during the Yuan Interference Period.