[우리문화신문=김슬옹 교수]  

정조는 원손 시절에 큰외숙모인 여흥 민씨에게 한글로 편지를 썼다. 편지를 썼던 때는 1756~1759년(영조 32~5년) 무렵으로 다섯 살에서 여덟 살로 추정한다. 편지에는 “가을바람에 몸과 마음이 평안하신지 안부를 여쭙습니다. 뵈온 지가 오래되어 섭섭하고 그리웠는데, 어제 봉서를 받고 든든하고 반가우며 할아버님께서도 평안하시다고 하오니 기쁘옵니다.”라는 내용이 담겨 있다.

어린 나이에 편지 형식을 갖춰 쓰면서도 외숙모에 대한 애틋한 그리움이 잘 드러나 있다. 정조의 한글 편지를 통해 정조가 어린 나이지만 할아버지의 건강에도 마음을 쓰는 효심이 깊은 손자라는 것을 알 수 있다.

Young King Jeongjo Writes a Letter in Hangeul to His Maternal Aunt

When King Jeongjo was still a young prince (between the ages of five and eight, during the period 1756–1759, around the 32nd to 35th year of King Yeongjo’s reign), he wrote in Hangeul to uncle’s wife, Lady Min of Yeongheung. The letter is a touching example of a young royal showing affection and respect to a family member. In the letter, Jeongjo expressed his concerns and well-wishes: “I hope the autumn winds have brought peace to both your body and mind. It has been so long since we last met, and I miss you deeply. I felt reassured and happy to receive your letter yesterday, and I am pleased to hear that my grandfather is well.” Despite his young age, Jeongjo managed to write in a proper letter format, and his affection and longing for his aunt are clearly evident.

This letter also demonstrates his deep filial piety, as he shows concern for his grandfather’s health. Jeongjo’s ability to express such warm and thoughtful sentiments at a young age, using the Korean script of Hangeul, is a notable reflection of the personal and emotional value Hangeul held in the Joseon era, even among royalty.