한국 근대사에 나타난 유대인·유대인 이미지 연구

Abstract

The origins of Korea’s modernization lie in the advent of Western civilization to the peninsula. Prior to the end of 19th century, the Chosun Dynasty had adopted a closed-door policy, isolationist foreign policy. This was in sharp contrast to neighboring Japan, which had already fostered relations with the West by way of the Meiji Innovation beginning in the middle of 19th century, and which was also endeavoring to establish a relatively progressive, modern type of state. In contrast, the Korean peninsula placed weight on the royal family's legitimacy and national tradition by expelling foreign forces and isolating itself from foreign influence. In the late 19th century, the Christian faith that came together with Western civilization had a staggering impact on the enlightenment of modern Korea. At this initial stage, it was an established proposition that Western civilization meant Christianity. It was out of question that Western civilization was perceived as both mental and material civilizations. However, it was in the midst of these two elements of Western civilization that came to the Korean peninsula that Jews were firmly established. Firstly, Ernest Jacob Oppert, a German Jew, was a first person who tried to open Korea by force, and introduced the modern Korean and Korean societies to Europe. His images have influenced to the European Society for a longtimes. Secondly, it was no coincidence that the enlightenment that came with Western influence started with the translation of the Holy Bible into Korean, which was the means by which Christian missionaries contributed to enlightening Korea called both the hermit kingdom and the Morning Calm, and launched their missionary activities. One of the prominent academics responsible for this translation was Alexander A. Pieters, a Russian Jew. Thirdly, in 1904, when the Russo-Japanese War broke out, Western material civilization landed in earnest on the Korean peninsula. In order to raise war expenses, Japan issued government bonds, most of which were invested with American capital. A Russian-Jewish millionaire, Jacob H. Schiff, played a crucial role in this transaction. This thesis aims to examine the roles and status of some of the prominent Jews in the enlightenment period of modern Korea.