Abstract

This study examines the historical background and personal motivations behind the creation of the map Cheonha gogeum daechong pyeollamdo (Map of the Outline of the Past and Present World) by the Korean intellectual Kim Su-hong in the late 17th century. The emergence of this map is closely related to the dynamic shifts in the international order of East Asia during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the eventful life of its creator, Kim Su-hong. First, starting from the late 16th century, the exchange of maps between Joseon and China became more active, leading to the transmission of numerous maps and geography books, including Hyeongseungdo, to Joseon. This served as a crucial prerequisite for Kim Su-hong to create his own map. Second, by the end of the 16th century, as modern Western-style world maps and geographical knowledge began to spread to the East, even China’s traditional Hyeongseungdo underwent significant transformations under Western influence. The Hyeongseungdo maps introduced to Joseon served as direct reference materials for the creation of Cheonha gogeum daechong pyeollamdo. Third, the dynastic changes in the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as the Western Learning Spreading to the East against the backdrop of Western expansion, brought about a paradigm shift in Korean intellectuals’ worldview and significantly impacted the production of maps, including the Cheonhajidocheak. Kim Su-hong, influenced by a prevailing worldview that emphasized For-Ming and Anti-Qing, incorporated these ideas into the creation of his map. Fourth, Kim Su-hong, a scholar with a prestigious background, held a prominent position of scholarship and influence among Korean intellectuals. However, he faced dismissal from office and received significant criticism due to the controversy with Song Si-yeol, a Western scholar. Kim Su-hong created the Cheonha gogeum daechong pyeollamdo to counteract these criticisms and enhance his own scholarly reputation.