Peace maintained with 200 seok of rice, the economic relationship between Joseon and Tsushima
We will examine the survival strategy of Tsushima, which was unable to achieve food self-sufficiency, and the Gyehae Treaty of Joseon, which provided 200 seok of rice to control it.
Tsushima's Survival Strategy Amidst Food Insecurity
Japan's Tsushima Island is an environment where food self-sufficiency is difficult, as approximately 90% of its total area consists of mountainous terrain. Due to these geographical limitations, Tsushima historically adopted raiding neighboring regions as a survival strategy. During the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods, Tsushima served as a forward base for Wako (Japanese pirates), threatening the coasts of the Korean Peninsula. The distance between Busan and Tsushima is about 50km, making it visible to the naked eye, and this geographical proximity became a factor that accelerated the invasions of the Wako.
A Dual Strategy of Force and Diplomacy: Yi Jong-mu's Expedition and Economic Support
Joseon employed a dual strategy of combining military expeditions with economic support to address the Wako problem. In 1407 (the 7th year of King Taejong), Joseon permitted trade by opening Busanpo and Jepo (Jinhae), but when the Tsushima Wako revolted in 1419 (the 1st year of King Sejong), Joseon dispatched Yi Jong-mu to carry out a military expedition. Following the expedition, Joseon determined that maintaining peace through economic support was more cost-effective than military conflict. This method involved providing food supplies on the condition that trade would be conducted within established rules without Wako incursions.
The Gyehae Treaty: A Pragmatic Compromise in 200 Seok of Rice
The Gyehae Treaty, signed in 1443 (the 25th year of King Sejong), is a record that codified the economic compromise between Joseon and Tsushima. Through this treaty, Joseon allowed 50 merchant ships to trade annually. In exchange, Joseon provided 200 seok of rice and beans to Tsushima every year. 200 seok is approximately 30 to 32 tons, an amount sufficient to feed 200 people for one year. This was the result of the intersection between Tsushima's survival needs due to food shortages and Joseon's pragmatic calculation to suppress Wako invasions.
Busan and the Nakdong River Estuary as a Historical Intersection
Due to the topographical characteristics of the Nakdong River estuary, Busan was a hub where continental goods and maritime culture intersected. Joseon's response in its relationship with Tsushima went beyond mere military force to include the pragmatic aspect of maintaining peace through economic support. Busan holds a turbulent history, having served as a place where logistics and finance intersected around the Waegwan (Japanese trading post) in the past, and later transforming into a gateway for colonial economic exploitation.
