Chinsan Sego 晉山世稿is a collection of literary works compiled by Kang Hŭimaeng (姜希孟, 1424-1483), containing the poems and writings of his grandfather, father, and elder brother. The collection includes the works of Tongjeong Kang Hoe-baek (姜淮伯, 1357-1402), Wanyeokjae Kang Seok-deok (姜碩德, 1395-1459), and Injae Kang Hŭian (姜希顔, 1418-1465).
Chinsan Sego is particularly significant as it’s one of the earliest sego 世稿 “a type of family literary collection” publications from the Chosŏn Dynasty. It served as a model for later sego compilations, profoundly influencing the genre. Its importance was officially recognized on December 18, 1998, when it was designated as National Treasure No. 1290 (privately owned) by the Cultural Heritage Administration.
The collection, which Kang Hŭimaeng first began compiling, continued to be supplemented with the literary works of other key figures from the Jinju Kang clan throughout the Chosŏn Dynasty, adding to its historical value and legacy.
An examination of Chinsan Sego is necessary, as more than 60 copies (including incomplete ones) have been identified in institutions both in Korea and abroad.
This research aims to correct inaccuracies found in existing studies and institutional records regarding the publication dates and related information. Furthermore, based on previous research, it seeks to identify the overall state of the various editions, organize them into a clear lineage, and rectify any identified errors. Ultimately, the goal is to understand the characteristics and significance of the publication of Chinsan Sego as it continued throughout the entire Joseon Dynasty.
Previous studies have identified either six or ten different editions of Chinsan Sego. Based on these findings, this study compares and analyzes the existing research to correct errors in publication dates and determine previously unknown dates as accurately as possible.
This analysis ultimately identifies five distinct editions of Chinsan Sego: The first edition (1474), The second edition (1491), The 1658 edition, The 1845 edition, The 1959 edition. This research examines the unique characteristics found in each of these five editions.