korea 187of the mourning for the Empress Dowager. On Jan.15, 1192, Koryo
envoys arrived in Chin for the New Year reception on Jan.17, knowing
fully well that this would be cancelled because of the mourning for
the Empress Dowager. On Oct.5, Koryo envoys arrived in Chin for
the birthday celebration of Emperor Chang-tsung on Oct.8, knowing
fully well that this would be cancelled because of the mourning for the
Empress Dowager. On Feb.2, 1193, Koryo envoys arrived in Chin for
the New Year reception on Feb.4, knowing fully well that this would
be cancelled because of the mourning for the Empress Dowager.
Why did Koryo send missions which would not be received? They
were costly, but for the home country only to the border. Thereafter,
their upkeep was paid by the host country. It was the latter which had
reason to object to the expense of what, at first sight, looks like un -
necassary missions. These may have been required by protocol and the
wish of the host country to enhance its prestige. But even if that were
the case, another potent reason was trade. Government exchange of
goods could take place in spite of mourning, and the envoys profited
from private trade. In fact, the Chin shih 9:10b is quite unequivocal
on this point. It records that Emperor Chang-tsung, because of the
cancellation of the New Year reception in 1191, allowed the envoys
from Hsia to remain in their guest lodge for one day to trade. The
Department of State Affairs pointed out that, according to precedent,
the envoys should be permitted to stay for three days. The emperor
accepted this. While this entry is for Hsia, it obviously also applies to
Koryo and other states. In fact, the Koryo envoys remained on that
occasion for at least 15 days.
Since the land route from Koryo to China was blocked by the Liao
and later the Chin, the missions had to travel by sea. They could not
land wherever they wished in China but had to call at certain ports.
In the earlier period, this was chiefly Teng on the northern coast
of the Shan-tung Peninsula. It was a stormy voyage in which ships
could be wrecked. In 1074, Koryo requested a change of route, to
put a greater distance between itself and the Khitan, and on Oct.31,
1076, the Sung government approved Ming on the southern coast of
Hang-chou Bay as the new port of entry. The preferred seasons for
sailing to China were the fall and winter.
Again the question arises how complete the records are on mis-
sions from Koryo to China. Chiu wu-tai shih 138:6b states that from
923 to 930 Koryo frequently sent envoys. Missions are recorded for
923, 925, and 930, which perhaps can be considered as frequent.