Nurhaci in Korean Sources, 1594-1622

• Main Author: Seung B. Kye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea University, Center for Korean History 2016-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Korean History
• Subjects: Chosŏn; Kwanghaegun; Ming; Nurhaci; Sonjŏ; Sin Ch’ungil; Yi Minhwan; Zianzhou Jurchen
• Online Access: http://ijkh.khistory.org/upload/pdf/ijkh-21-1-87.pdf

By utilizing Korean sources, this paper examines the way in which Nurhaci adapted himself to situations with the Ming and Chosŏn throughout his steady rise from the mid-1590s to the early 1620s, with an emphasis on Chosŏn. Concerning relations with Chosŏn, on one hand, he attempted to establish direct relations, reserving no seat for the Ming at the table in talks with Chosŏn. In dealing with Ming China, on the other hand, he wanted to display his homage to Beijing, pretending to act within the framework of the Ming-centered tributary system. His stance between the Ming and Chosŏn remarkably changed in 1619 when he defeated the Ming-Chosŏn joint military campaign against him. Taking the initiative in diplomatic negotiations right after his sweeping victory, Nurhaci frequently urged the king of Chosŏn to choose from the two powers, the Ming emperor and himself. To establish a direct dialogue with Chosŏn, he tenaciously demanded a letter from Chosŏn, which could be utilized to demonstrate his alliance with Chosŏn vis-à-vis Ming China. When he occupied Liaodong in 1621, cutting off the land route between Beijing and Seoul, Nurhaci gained the upper hand over Chosŏn. What he wanted from Chosŏn was an official letter written in the name of the king of Chosŏn, while Chosŏn never wanted to disclose its friendly communications with Nurhaci. Nurhaci wanted to seize a royal letter as real evidence of his good relations with Chosŏn vis-à-vis Ming China, against which he was then carrying a series of military campaigns.