A Study and Translation of T'aengniji

Abstract

T'aengniji (The Book of Choosing Settlements) is a Korean classic written by Yi Chung-hwan (1690-1756) on finding good places in Korea for scholar-gentry to live. This study consists of two parts : Part One is a study of T'aengnijiby analysing its contents, investigating the bibliographical aspects of the book and reviewing previous studies of T'aengniji . Throughout the thesis a new and more comprehensive approach is suggested for a better understanding of T'aengniji. The date of completion of the book and the original title of the book are also ascertained : T'aengniji was most prob ably written between the summers of 1750 and 1751 , and most likely under the title "Kagoji" (The Book of Habitable Places) or "Sadaebu kagocho'gi" (Record of Habitable Places for the Scholar-Gentry). While incorporating Taoism, Buddhism and other traditional Korean value systems, the most important body of thought in T'aengniji is Confucianism. T'aengniji uses geographical and historical approaches. Unlike previous geographical writings, however, it is written as an essay examining the four criteria: geomancy, livelihood, social characteristics and landscape. The inclusion of social characteristics in the criteria is unique serving as the most crucial element for Yi Chung-hwan's conclusion that there was no ideal place for scholargentry to live in Korea. Yi Chung-hwan intended to make an evaluation of the Korean scholar-gentry society through the search for a good place to live and this intention is clearly revealed in the text. Part Two is the translation of T'aengniji, except for four provinces , whose content and style are well represented in the other four provinces translated. The main aim of the translation is to introduce this Kore an classic into wider scholarships. This is the first translation of T'aengniji into a western language .