국사교과서의 고대동아시아 서술과 인식

Abstract

How the History Book Used in Korea Describes Neighboring Countries With the focus on ancient history contained in the Korean history textbook used at high schools The Korean history textbook used at high schools in Korea is one compiled on the occasion of the launch of the 7th Revised Educational Curricula. It was compiled with the focus on politics, economy, social affairs and culture, in contrast to previous ones which were compiled chronologically. In contents about the nation’s relations with China, it focuses on wars between the two countries. It is necessary to focus on Kogury’s victories in wars against the Sui and Tang Dynasties of China, as they were important events in that they were victories won against huge powers. Statements on cultural exchanges between the two countries should have been contained. As for contents about Japan, the textbook appears to strongly focus on the superiority of Korean cultures to those of Japan. The spread of cultures are made through people. Exchanges of people between countries are carried out through various factors. It is ludicrous to say that a country transferred cultures and civilization to its neighboring countries “out of generosity.” Other various factors should have been stated together in an objective way. Overall, the textbook fails to state many important elements in the nation’s relations with other countries. In olden times, there were numerous ups and downs in each country in East Asia. Their relations developed through wars and diplomatic and cultural exchanges. Shilla’s unification of the three kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula into one was made within the context of its relations with countries outside the peninsula. We should shed light also on diversified exchanges with northern tribes. One desired target of education is to train people maintaining good relations with other countries, understanding the flow of the world history. In compilation of a history textbook, universality and objectivity are required, in addition to “self-reliance” and “national identity.”