Abstract

This study focuses on Hongmunrok(弘文錄) as part of an investigation into the political elite of the Joseon Dynasty. In particular, the study examines how the status of Hongmun-gwan(弘文館), a key political elite official throughout the Joseon Dynasty, changed in the 19th century, and how the political status of Hongmun-gwan was re-verified in the 19th century. The results confirm that Hongmun-gwan remained one of the main government lines of the Joseon Dynasty, while attempting to redefine the standards of political elites during this period. A review of the status of Hongmun-gwan officials in the 19th century shows that Hongmun-gwan officials naturally became Hongmun-gwan officials or officers in the same way as kings ruled through hereditary succession, rather than being selected through official Hongmunrok. They were frequently placed in key positions, and were mostly descendants of prestigious families. These unofficial Hongmun-gwan officials were one of the important personnel characteristics of the 19th century, and were significant as a new way of producing an elite in the 19th century.