1910~20년대 조선인 교원의 일본 시찰

Abstract

This article examines the observation trip to Japan of Korean teachers in colonial Korea during the 1910s and 1920s. The observation trip to Japan of Korean teachers began in the late 1910s and was conducted actively in the 1920s. The members of observation trip visited rural areas, modern facilities of cities, temples, historic sites, places related to the emperor of Japan and education-related facilities. Observing these places, they recognized the economic and military power of Japan. In particular, they observed thoroughly education-related facilities and were impressed by the high penetration rate of education, complete school facilities and the educational methods that emphasized spontaneity of students. The observation trip to Japan made Korean teachers criticize the reality of colonial Korea and make a resolution as teachers. They judged that Korea was very backward compared to Japan and that Koreans were lazy and stagnant. And based on this recognition, they resolved to civilize Korea by promoting education and enlightening Koreans under Japanese colonial rule. Meanwhile, some members of the observation trip recognized Japanese colonial rule as positive and resolved to develop colonial Korea as a part of the Japanese empire through education. As a result, the observation trip to Japan led Korean teachers to pursue civilization through the promotion of education under Japanese colonial rule, or cooperation in Japanese colonial education policy.