Nanjung Japnok

Nanjung Japnok (亂中雜錄) is a book held by the Namwon Local History Museum in Namwon, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea. It was written by Jo Gyeong-nam, who served as a righteous army commander during the Imjin War, and records important domestic events over 57 years, from 1585, when he was 13 years old in the 15th year of King Seonjo's reign, to the 15th year of King Injo's reign (1637). It was designated Tangible Cultural Property No. 107 of Jeollabuk-do on September 20, 1984.

Overview

Written by Jo Gyeong-nam, who served as a righteous army commander during the Imjin War, the book records important domestic events over 57 years, from 1585, when he was 13 years old in the 15th year of King Seonjo's reign, to the 15th year of King Injo's reign (1637). It is also called the Sanseo Yasa (山西野史).

The sections on the Imjin War and the Jeongyu War are covered in much greater detail than Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary). In addition, the book describes in detail other major wars and upheavals, including the Rebellion of Yi Gwal, the Manchu invasions of 1627 and 1636, as well as customs of the time and events that took place at court.

The work consists of 10 volumes, and for convenience the last five volumes are called the Sokjapnok (Supplementary Japnok). It is currently kept by his descendants, and its cultural value is considered very high once the original text is made public. It is also regarded as a very important source for studying the military history of the Joseon period.

Local Notice

Born in Unsong-ri, Jucheon-myeon, Namwon-gun, the righteous army commander Jo Gyeong-nam began keeping a diary at age 13, in 1582, and recorded in full the content of his own guerrilla activities as a militia fighter during the Imjin and Jeongyu wars, the domestic and international situation of the time, and the Battle of Namwon Fortress. He also thoroughly recorded major wars such as the Rebellion of Yi Gwal, the Jeongmyo Manchu invasion, and the Byeongja Manchu invasion, other important historical changes, the customs of the time, and events that took place at court. His style is elegant and concise, and it is evaluated as a valuable historical source. It was written entirely in classical Chinese. He continued writing even after the war, and as a diary-style history he wrote for 57 years, up to two years after the Byeongja Manchu invasion (1638), making it comparable to Admiral Yi Sun-sin's . It is presumed that the mountains around Chodong-eun in Ibaek-myeon, where his tomb is located, are enclosed on the east, west, south, and north, so during wartime they were used as a militia training ground. The tomb and a tombstone exist, but the inscription has worn away and its content cannot be known.