고청 서기의 학문과 사상

Abstract

Gocheong Seogee is a Confucian scholar in the mid-Joseon period during which Confucian philosophy is not completely established as a national discipline. He was an authentic Seon-bi who helped boost Confusion philosophy in southern and northern parts of Chungcheong area including Daejeon, Nonsan, Gongjoo, Buyeo, Hongseong, Jochiwon as well as Boryeong and Dangjin. Following Seogee, Jangsaeng Kim, who had studied under Yulgok, strived to firm up Giho Confusion philosophy there. Influenced by his teacher Geeham Lee's pragmatical school whose main principle is loyal to their country and affectionate to their people, Seogee set his heart on living up to the same path as previous holy men had gone through rather than pursuing an overly speculative school only focused on Confucian scriptures. He seems to have put the virtues of pragmatic Confusion scholars into practice in accordance with the way Confucius and Mencius devoted themselves to their study and learning. He carried Hyangyak into effect, built the first Seowon in Chungnam area called Chunghyeon Seowon emulating Zhu Xi's Baeklokdong Seowon, and paid close attention to learning with Zhu Xi's portrait enshrined. Those things attest that he eagerly strive to put Confucianism into practice. Through these efforts, he gave a significant influence on establishing Confusion philosophy in southern and northern parts of Chungcheong area and trained lots of disciples like Leechang Song, Jaemoon Min - the teacher of Choryeo Yootae Lee - and so on. As a result, he laid a big foundation stone to develop Confusion culture in Naepo region. Therefore, his position should seem to be re-evaluated in Korean Confucian history. In a rigidly hierarchical social structure, he studied and interacted alongside with Geeham Lee, Heon Jo, Ikpeel Song, Sik Jo, and others with no thought of their lower social status and without any academic prejudices. These kinds of his mind-set and attitudes seem to be a precious example of embodying real Seon-bi spirit. So, I suggest Seogee's life has a substantial significance in strengthening personality education of the young today and composing media contents of local community.