Korean J Med Hist.  2020 Dec;29(3):999-102. 10.13081/kjmh.2020.29.999.

The Joseon-Qing Relations and the King's Health Problems in the Late Joseon Dynasty -Conflict surrounding ritual of greeting envoys (郊迎禮) in the early reign of King Sukjong-

• KMID: 2511382
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13081/kjmh.2020.29.999

Abstract

The international situation immediately after the throning of King Sukjong was very complicated. In the Qing dynasty, a Revolt of the Three Feudatories (三藩之亂) occurred and a serious crisis struck, and Sukjong ascended to the throne in Joseon immediately afterward this incident. The Joseon Dynasty prepared for a war that might arise while pessimistically observing the Qing situation. The Qing was suspiciously watching the activities of Joseon. In this situation, the ritual of greeting envoys became a factor that amplified the conflict between the two countries.
When the Qing Envoy came to Joseon in the tribute system, the Joseon king had to go to the western towns to meet the emperor's documents and envoy. However, in the early reign of King Sukjong, the king's greeting envoy was frequently stopped. The first reason was that Sukjong's health had frequently deteriorated. The second reason was smallpox. Sukjong had not suffered from smallpox. Therefore, to reduce the likelihood of smallpox transmission, Joseon intended to stop the ritual of greeting envoys by traveling to the western towns.
The Qing dynasty became increasingly dissatisfied with Sukjong's refusal to welcome the Qing envoys. In 1686, a Joseon envoy requested to cancel the fine imposed on Sukjong. This act turned out to be a serious matter. The Qing criticized Sukjong's usual unfaithful ritual of greeting envoys as the cause of this incident.In the end, the reasons for the conflict over ritual of greeting envoys in 1686 were: first, the tense international situation due to the “ Revolt of the Three Feudatories,” and second, concerns about Sukjong's disease and smallpox infection. The combination of such uncertain elements influenced the international relations of Joseon and Qing Dynasties.