An Origin and Diffusion of the Bibo in Youngnam Region

영남지방 비보(裨補)의 기원(起源)과 확산(擴散)에 관한 일고찰(一考察)

In the dissertation, Bibos are discussed as landscape features in the geographical context of Youngnam Region. The bibo tradition in Youngnam Region began with the incorporation of temple structures in Shilla and Kaya kingdoms, and spread throughout the country during the period of Unified Shilla. In Korea Dynasty, the diffusion of temple Bibo gained momentum, because Buddhism was worshipped as national religion. Then came a sea change in the Bibo repertoire with the replacement of Buddhism by Confucianism as an ideological prop for Chason Korea. The retreat of Buddhism led to the popularization of feng-shui motifs in Bibo strategy. The centers of the diffusion of the logic of bibo were major towns such as Kyongju, Ahndong, Sangju, and Chinju. The diffusion process continued top-down to mid-sized towns, and to the bottom of small villages. What sustained the hierarchical diffusion of Bibo attributes was myriad of transportation lines. The main artery of the diffusion in Korea Dynasty was that connecting Kaegyong to Kyongju. That same function was performed by the royal road running from Seoul through Sangju, Milyang, and to Tongrae. In the age of modernization, the feng-shui and Bibo landscapes have lost their original aura. They have suffered from the ruthless attacks of the Enlightenment logic of science. However, the elan vital of feng-shui and Bibo are still visible and strongly felt in the countryside. From field experiences, one can notice that the Bibo landscapes are tightly integrated into the rural way of life. The durability of the traditional geomancy shows us the beauty of the harmonious interplay between Youngnam people and the nature.

영남지방 비보의 기원은 가야와 신라의 불교적 비보사탑에서 비롯하며, 고려 및 조선조를 거치면서 국도(國都)에서 풍수적 비보의 성행은 영남지방 비보경관의 조성에 큰 영향을 끼친다. 비보의 확산양상은, 조선 초기까지는 수위(首位)의 공간적 위계(空間的 位階)를 지니는 국도(國都)(개성 한양)를 비보핵심지(裨補核心地)하여 주변지역(周邊地域)의 부 목 대도호부(府 牧 大都護府) 등 대읍(大邑)의 차위중심지(次位中心地)로 확산되고, 대읍(大邑)이 다시 비보중심지(裨補中心地)가 되어 순차적으로 인근 군현(郡縣) 단위의 중소 읍치(中小 邑治)로 비보가 확산되었다. 이윽고 조선 중기 이후 좌지사비(左地士族)들의 촌락 개척과 맞물려 읍치(邑治) 외곽의 주요 士族(사족)의 주거지로 비보가 파급되어 나갔다.