1880년대 『漢城旬報』의 중국 인식

Abstract

This article examines how Hansǒng Sunbo perceived China focusing on its news reports and tone of voice. Hansǒng Sunbo paid particular attention to the changing status of China in the international relations as well as Sino-centric Asian order. Focusing on Sino-French War, Hansǒng Sunbo expressed favorable stance towards China. The pro-China attitudes were particularly seen in the following four facets. First, although Hansǒng Sunbo admitting China having fallen behind in comparison to the western great powers, it nevertheless portrays China as a great power with a promising future. While expressing respect to East Asian civilization, in contrast, Hansǒng Sunbo did not give full recognition and support to Western civilization. Second, the Hansǒng Sunbo illuminated the Chinese as a group of people with great possibility who could challenge hardship of the time. Similarly, it lavished compliments on both Chinese government officials and soldiers stationed in Korea. Third, the Hansǒng Sunbo took on a critical position to France in its confrontation with China at the time. France was characterized as a petty nation which, unlike China, “relied on its strength and violated the weak,” displaying strong notion of Asian solidarity. Fourth, the negative attitude towards China in the course of “Hansǒng Sunbo incident” was a mere passing phase.