[Bread-Baking Typewriter] Proverbs Related to Official Titles... Fact-Checking Their Origins

"If even the Pyeongyang magistrate dislikes it, then so be it."

This proverb, which everyone has probably heard at least once, means that no matter how prestigious a government post is, one can refuse it if they do not want it. But among the many official positions, why did the "Pyeongyang magistrate" become the protagonist of this proverb?

The Pyeongyang magistrate was a high-ranking official in charge of the entire Pyeongan Province during the Joseon Dynasty. There were several magistrate positions governing each province, such as the Jeolla magistrate of Jeolla Province and the Gyeongsang magistrate of Gyeongsang Province, and higher ranks included the Yeonguijeong (Chief State Councillor), Jwauijeong (Left State Councillor), and even the king. Nevertheless, there is a significant reason why the Pyeongyang magistrate became the subject of this proverb.

The new book Joseon Official Titles Embedded in Our Language traces the roots of the word "official position" found in proverbs and idioms we casually use. According to the book, Pyeongyang was a rapidly growing city from the 17th century. As a transportation hub, it was located on a major arterial road connecting the capital Hanyang (Seoul) and the border city Uiju, and it also served as a maritime trade base linking Qing China and Japan.

But above all, the decisive reason was the "ingryu measure." The Pyeongyang magistrate had to entertain Qing envoys, and due to the enormous expenses required for this, the magistrate was allowed to operate finances autonomously without remitting taxes to the royal court. In other words, the Pyeongyang magistrate held powerful authority over commercial rights and taxation. The influence was so great that it even appeared in a proverb.

Another appeal of this book lies in its "fact-checking." The author carefully examines how well familiar proverbs and expressions align with actual history. For example, there is a story about an official named "Goyakhae," who frequently clashed with King Sejong, said to be the origin of the expression "goyakda" (meaning "to be nasty" or "mean"). However, the author questions this. Did such a person really exist, and did they wield such significant influence?

The conclusion is that "Goyakhae" and the expression "goyakda" are largely unrelated. Rather, the modern perspective that remembers King Sejong as an ideal leader has created such stories. The longing for a leader who cherishes the people and accepts criticism has spread baseless tales.

Throughout the book, the "power of records" shines. The author boldly doubts etymologies without clear historical evidence and thoroughly verifies them based on vast materials such as the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. Even for the four-character idiom "Hamheungchasa" (meaning "a messenger who never returns"), the author checks how many envoys who followed the orders of Taejo Yi Seong-gye actually died by consulting the Annals of King Taejong. The annals record in detail who the envoys were, where they died, and under what circumstances.

Without the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, the origins of many words we use today might still remain mere "theories." The attitude of the Joseon people, who objectively recorded history despite watching the king's mood, still holds great significance today.

The journey to find the roots of our language starting from the question "why" is always fascinating. How about looking into the lives and minds of the people of old through proverbs and idioms related to official positions this time? Ultimately, it is heartwarming to realize that people long ago worried and felt emotions much like we do today.

Joseon Official Titles Embedded in Our Language / Lee Ji-hoon / Pureun History / 13,000 KRW