Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 282

282. Choo-Choo Train! (3)

The agenda items concerning the ‘Hanseong Circular Railway’ and ‘Public Housing Village’ were decided. However, the railway agenda didn’t end there.

A week later, a cabinet meeting was held in Geunjeongjeon Hall.

“Next on the agenda is the ‘Establishment of the 3rd Steel Mill’.”

The atmosphere in the room, including Sejong and the ministers, grew heavy as the ‘3rd Steel Mill’ was introduced.

“Hasn’t the 2nd Steel Mill in Musan only recently begun steel production?” Sejong asked.

Minister of Land Development Jeong Yeok (Note 1) immediately responded, “That is correct, Your Majesty. However, the demand for steel among the people of Joseon is continuously increasing, and the 1st Steel Mill in Anju and the 2nd Steel Mill in Cheongjin are struggling to keep up.”

“Is the situation truly that dire?”

“Yes, it is,” Jeong Yeok confirmed.

At Jeong Yeok’s signal, a junior official waiting in the back came forward with a *gwaedo* [掛圖, a large chart or diagram]. After bowing respectfully to Sejong, the junior official hung the *gwaedo* on a stand and stepped back.

Jeong Yeok used a pointer to reveal the chart.

The *gwaedo* displayed a large line graph painted in various colors.

“This line represents the monthly production volume of the 1st Steel Mill. The next line shows the monthly production volume of the 2nd Steel Mill. This line is the combined production volume of the two steel mills, and the last line indicates the total amount of steel consumed throughout Joseon.”

Sejong examined the graph intently as he listened to Jeong Yeok’s explanation, a look of interest on his face.

“The people are consuming a significant amount of steel?”

“Indeed, Your Majesty.”

Looking at the graph, the line representing steel consumption in Joseon showed a sharply increasing upward trend.

Meanwhile, Hyang, who was also looking at the graph, was thinking to himself, ‘Are they going to use graphs to death?’

When graphs were first introduced, the ministers and officials reacted with skepticism, wondering what they were for. Now, graphs and tables appeared as frequently as licorice in herbal medicine [a common ingredient used in almost every prescription].

“What is the reason for this increased steel consumption among the people?” Sejong inquired.

Kim Jeom answered instead of Jeong Yeok, “There’s an increasing trend of replacing wooden or earthenware utensils with steel ones. The most prominent example is the *deultong* [들통, metal bucket].”

* * *

As *gyeongjang* [更張, economic reform] progressed, some individuals became wealthy. Among them were merchants, but surprisingly, blacksmiths also constituted a considerable number.

The blacksmiths were able to accumulate wealth thanks to the ‘Intellectual Property Management Office’.

Blacksmiths promptly registered their new inventions with the Intellectual Property Management Office. These registered items were then announced throughout Joseon via the *Gwanbo* [官報, official gazette or government newspaper].

Merchants would then seize upon useful products announced in this way, signing production contracts or paying royalties to mass-produce them in their own workshops.

Through this process, several items became major hits.

Among these, the most famous was the *deultong*.

Previously, people used wooden or earthenware pots to fetch and carry water, but the *deultong* replaced them.

The *deultong* quickly gained popularity among women upon its market release. It was lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to carry water, and it was also useful for boiling laundry or making paste in the kitchen.

As a result, the blacksmith who invented the *deultong* became wealthy enough to ‘live comfortably for three generations’.

* * *

Kim Jeom, having used the *deultong* as an example, continued, “With the large-scale, low-cost supply of refined *jeongcheol* [正鐵, high-quality steel] from the steel mills, many such utensils are being manufactured. In particular, sturdy farming tools are being mass-produced, greatly aiding agriculture.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to this, tax revenue is gradually increasing.”

“That is truly a positive development.” Sejong’s face lit up at Kim Jeom’s words.

Seeing this, Hyang muttered to himself, ‘Indeed, the rice of industry [a metaphor for a fundamental and essential industry].’

* * *

As a large quantity of *cheoljae* [鐵材, steel materials] – guaranteeing above-average quality – was supplied at a low price from the two steel mills, Joseon’s ironware culture flourished.

This was due to the state taking responsibility for the steelmaking process, which consumed the most resources in the production of ironware.

Blacksmiths throughout Joseon could obtain the steel materials they needed through *jeonmaeso* [專賣所, monopoly offices] to create their products. This was a boon for blacksmiths. Those with less skill obtained better materials than they could produce themselves, while skilled blacksmiths could easily and quickly create higher-quality steel materials with a little extra effort.

The utensils made using these steel materials – especially farming tools – demonstrated outstanding efficiency.

When cultivating farmland or digging furrows in rice paddies, the newly made farming tools were durable and could dig deeper furrows than before.

As proper *simgyeongnongeop* [深耕農法, deep plowing farming method] was implemented, agricultural production increased.

* * *

“I understand, but wouldn’t it be more efficient to expand the two existing steel mills instead?” Sejong asked.

Kim Jeom moved to Jeong Yeok’s side to explain, “That is one option, but it also presents challenges. In the case of Anju, expansion work has already been carried out, and the location itself is difficult to expand further.”

“What about the 2nd Steel Mill in Cheongjin?”

“The 2nd Steel Mill faces limitations in the quality of its raw materials, making it difficult to achieve profitability.”

Sejong’s face grew serious at Kim Jeom’s words.

“What is the problem with the raw materials?”

“Firstly, the *seokcheol* [石鐵, iron ore] mined in Musan is of relatively poor quality. Additionally, the *seoktan* [石炭, coal] mined in Aoji is also of very poor quality.”

As Kim Jeom explained, both the iron ore from Musan and the coal from Aoji had quality issues.

* * *

In the history before Hyang’s intervention, the iron ore discovered in Musan had problems.

The Musan Iron Mine was discovered during the colonial era. It was easy to mine as an open-pit mine, but Japan didn’t pay much attention because the iron content was only 37-40%.

However, as Japan’s imperialistic behavior intensified, the Musan mine was fully developed.

The same was true of Aoji’s coal. The coal mined in Aoji’s coal mine was lignite. It ignited easily but produced a large amount of ash and had a low calorific value.

This was the fundamental problem that hindered the 2nd Steel Mill’s ability to easily increase production volume.

* * *

“So, we must build the 3rd Steel Mill?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Is the funding sufficient? No, seeing that you’ve brought this forward, I assume the funding is in place.”

At Sejong’s words, Kim Jeom smiled wryly and answered, “That is correct. Although we will need to be frugal for a while, once the steel mill is completed, we will be able to overcome even greater challenges, making it a necessary undertaking.”

“So, is there a suitable candidate site?”

Jeong Yeok stepped forward again and answered, “Yeonil County.”

“Yeonil County?”

Jeong Yeok immediately turned the paper on the hanger, revealing a map of Yeonil County and the nearby Ulsan and Dalcheon Counties.

“This is Yeonil County.”

“Why there?”

Jeong Yeok pointed to Dalcheon County and explained, “In Dalcheon County, there is a large iron mine. While obtaining fuel for the blast furnace is a challenge, and the surrounding area is primarily farmland and cities, the size of the iron mine alone makes it sufficiently profitable.”

“Isn’t the fuel problem still a concern?”

At Sejong’s question, Jeong Yeok immediately turned the paper again.

The next page contained a map of Joseon. Jeong Yeok swept the East Sea coast with a pointer and continued his explanation.

“If we lay a railroad along this plain on the East Sea coast and transport coal mined in Gangwon Province, the fuel issue will be resolved.”

“What about the means of transportation?”

“*Cheolma* [鐵馬, Iron Horse – referring to a train].”

“*Cheolma*?”

At the mention of ‘*Cheolma*’, Sejong briefly analyzed the situation.

‘It hasn’t even been a week since I saw the *Cheolma*, and they’ve already incorporated it into this plan?’

Sejong soon glared at Hyang.

‘Is this your doing?’

In response to the unspoken question in Sejong’s gaze, Hyang answered with a slight smile. Seeing this, Sejong sighed softly.

“Hoo~.”

‘Now he’s even influencing the ministers. It seems I’ll be scolded if I object directly. But, that’s alright. Thanks to this, my work will be easier.’

Sejong looked at Hyang and smiled meaningfully.

‘I believe I’ll be able to see the results of my current research in about two years, so let’s wait and see.’

Hyang suddenly felt chills in his body at Sejong’s inscrutable smile.

‘What is it? Why do I suddenly feel uneasy?’

Regardless, Sejong immediately focused on the agenda.

“If we use *Cheolma* in that way, there’s no need to build it in Yeonil County, is there?”

At Sejong’s point, Jeong Yeok pointed to Dongnae and answered, “It’s right in front of the *Waegwan* [倭館, Japanese trading post].”

“If the *Wae* [倭, Japanese pirates] are a problem, Yeonil County is even more…”

Sejong, who was examining the map, stopped speaking and nodded.

“Janggi County and Heunghae County will provide protection from the left and right. I understand.”

Having heard the explanation, Sejong looked back at the other ministers.

“What are your opinions?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers paused to gather their thoughts and began to speak one by one.

“I believe it is a reasonable proposal.”

“The demand for steel among the people of Joseon is increasing, making this absolutely necessary.”

“That’s right. If demand increases but supply is insufficient, *jamchae* [潛採, secretly mining minerals] may become prevalent again, leading to unfair profits.”

Until the steel mill was built, *jamchae* was prevalent in Joseon. However, as steel materials with guaranteed performance were supplied from the steel mill, *jamchae* became obsolete. A supply shortage could cause it to resurface.

Seeing that most of the ministers agreed, Sejong made a conclusion.

“Good. I authorize the construction of the 3rd Steel Mill. I expect you all to work together to ensure the necessary tasks are handled smoothly.”

“We obey your command!”

* * *

Kim Jeom, who returned to the Ministry of Finance and Economy building after the meeting, quickly assessed the situation.

“Is the *jeongri* [整理, arrangement] regarding the items and quantities to be procured from *Myeong* [明, Ming Dynasty] finished? It’s not still not done, is it?”

“It’s right here!” As Kim Jeom’s voice sharpened, one of his subordinate executives rushed over and submitted a thick report.

Kim Jeom, turning the cover of the report, quickly checked the items and quantities.

“Hmm…”

Kim Jeom, after reviewing the numbers, handed the report back to the executive.

“The quantity is too small. Adjust it again.”

“It’s already more than double now?”

“You son of a bitch! Are you proud of doubling it? Back in my day! If you paid tribute to Beijing and brought back double, you’d be cursed at, ‘Did you come to play?’ Triple was the minimum, quadruple earned you ‘You did some work?’, and quintuple was evaluated as ‘You’re going to be successful!’ Why are you whining about double!”

“If we make a mistake, there will be diplomatic problems…”

“You son of a bitch! Why are you worrying about that! Those guys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be worrying about that!”

“Still…”

“Do you want to eat the *Nokyong* [鹿茸, deer antler] that His Majesty the King gave *me*, instead of me?”

“I’ll revise it right away!”

As soon as Kim Jeom finished speaking, the executive grabbed the report and disappeared. Kim Jeom clicked his tongue as he watched him.

“Tsk! These days, guys only know the tricks!”

Kim Jeom’s voice echoed through the building.

The problem was that the administrative buildings located in the area called ‘*Yukjogeori* [六曹거리, Six Ministries Street]’ were close together, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was right next to the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Consequently, the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to grit their teeth, their hands shaking as they held their *geumpil* [金筆, golden pen].

“Gritting!”

* * *

Note 1) Jeong Yeok: Joseon Sejong period civil official, *Bon-gwan* [本貫, clan origin] Haeju, Position *Chanseong* [參贊, Vice Minister]. Korean Historical Figures Comprehensive Information System.