• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.315-325
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• 2021

Yeonjae(淵齋) Song Byeong-seon(宋秉璿, 1836-1905) was the ninth-generation descendant of Uam (尤庵) Song Si-yeol (宋時烈). During his lifetime, he gained the trust of Yu-rim(儒林) and was called to the court several times. However, he eventually refused an official] post and spent his life cultivating his studies in the wild. When the Eulsa Treaty(乙巳條約) was signed on November 17, Yeonjae pleaded with King Gojong about the abolition of the treaty. And on the morning of December 30, Yeon-jae committed suicide at his old house in Hoedeok(懷德). At this time, Yeon-jae sent the final appeal to the king, leaving a message to the king, the people, and Yu-rim about the restoration of national sovereignty, fulfilling his duties as a leader of Sarim(士林). After that, in 1962, Yeonjae was awarded the Order of Independence Medal of National Founding. Song Byeong-seon's excursions took place throughout his life. 22 long and short travelogues are existed today. The excursions were mainly done by land, so most of them rode horses or mules. He sometimes used floats or kilns. But he sometimes knew how to use the waterways effectively. This is because in some travel reports, routes using inland waterways and sea routes appear. The journey of the series continues all the way to finding the relics of his ancestors. In this process, it is clear that he reaffirmed its mission of succession to the family and promised to be a part of the brilliant feat of the ancestors. In addition, the reading of the scriptures and Neo-Confucian discussion were added to the excursions. His excursions continued as a means of publicizing and expanding the Neo-Confucian worldview. Thus, Yeonjae inherited the spirit of John Wangyangi(尊王攘夷) left by his ancestors, and finally raised the banner of Wijeongcheoksa(衛正斥邪) high. And he resolutely set out on the road to death for the country.