The noble families prepared ChunGeumRok a kind of directory only for themselves and operated the HyangGyo extensively calling themselves as ChunGeumRok Confucianist. The policy to restrict the qualification for Gwageo(the highest-level state examinati...
The noble families prepared ChunGeumRok a kind of directory only for themselves and operated the HyangGyo extensively calling themselves as ChunGeumRok Confucianist. The policy to restrict the qualification for Gwageo(the highest-level state examination to recruit ranking officials during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty) to the participants in Gyojuk is considered as the cause for the preparation of ChunGeumRok, a directory only for Yanban noble families. In fact, in Sangju HyangGyo Wanei, a treaty to restrict the qualification for Gwageo to the participants in Gyojuk was erected. However, the comparison between the papers of ChunGeumRok Confucianist and SamaRok, the directory of the people passed Gwageo in Sangju area that prepared at that time show such regulations were not properly executed in actual. It shows that their participation in Gyojuk were intended to acquire the qualification for Gwageo, but to keep their prestige as the noble families.
ChunGeumRok Confucianist who were recorded on ChunGeumRok were seen in the papers of Hyangan and Seowonan, another papers of noble families in many cases. To begin with the early part of the 17th century, over 70% of people involved in teaching profession in Sangju HyangGyo were seen listed on Hyangan, and incase of ChunGeumRok Confucianist also show that over 50% of them were doubly listed on Hyangan through the 17th and 18th centuries.
ChunGeumRok Confucianist participated in the operation both of Hyangan and Seowon in many cases. The representative Seowons built in the 17th and 18th centuries include the Donam Seowon built in 1607 belonging to the South Man Party and Huengam Seowon built in 1702 belonging to Noron Faction, and the ChunGeumRok Confucianist of HyangGyo also attended the Seowon at the same time.
ChunGeumRok Confucianist involvedin the operation both of HyangGyo and Seowon in many cases in the 18th century. Especially, most students of Donam Seowon are identified doubly listed as ChunGeumRok Confucianist. Students of Huengam Seowon also were seen listed on as ChunGeumRok Confucianist., although far lower in ratio. Such fact shows that the noble families from the South Man Party that attended Donam Seowon took the lead in operating HyangGyo under the condition of the spread of Noron faction power and the appearance of the Seowon belonging West Man Party in Sangju in the 18th century.