Chinsan Sego 晉山世稿 is a collection of literary works compiled by Kang Hŭimaeng 姜希孟, containing the poems and writings of his grandfather, father, and elder brother. The collection includes the works of Tongjŏng 通亭 Kang Hoebaek 姜淮伯, Wanyŏkchae 玩易齊 Kang Sŏktŏk 姜碩德, and Injae 仁齋 Kang Hŭian姜希顔.
Chinsan sego is particularly significant as it is one of the earliest sego (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 Treasure No. 1290 (privately owned) by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea.
The collection, which Kang Hŭimaeng first began compiling, continued to be supplemented with the literary works of other key figures from the Chinju Kang clan throughout the Chosŏn Dynasty, adding to its historical value and legacy. A thorough examination of Chinsan sego is necessary, as numerous copies (including incomplete ones) have been identified in institutions both in Korea and abroad.
Accordingly, this study aims to organize and systematize the lineage of Chinsan sego editions to identify their publication characteristics and examine the editorial intent involved. Consequently, the research ultimately classifies the collection into five distinct editions—the First Edition (1474), the 1491 Edition, the 1658 Edition, the 1845 Edition, and the 1959 Edition—and summarizes the unique characteristics of each.
In addition, this study observed that while the early Chinsan sego compiled by Kang Hŭimaeng was primarily based on the consciousness of “the succession of a clan’s moral works and literary legacy,” the versions published after the 1658 edition under the title Chinsan sego sokjip 晉山世稿續集reflected a shift in consciousness toward “the commemoration of a neglected talent 懷才不遇 and the succession of the will of forebears 遺旨.”
In particular, a distinction from the earlier compilation was found in the fact that most figures added to the Chinsan segosokchip, including Kang Kŭksŏng 姜克誠, were those who possessed great literary talent but passed away early without reaching high government positions.