프랭크 윌리엄 스코필드 교수

Abstract

This article discusses the life of Dr. Frank William Schofield, who defended Korea’s independence as a UK-born Canadian veterinary scientist. He died in Seoul in 1970 and was buried in the Graveyard for Patriots, Seoul National Cemetery of Republic of Korea. Dr. Schofield is the only foreigner to be so honored thus far. I present in particular three aspects of his achievements: a veterinarian, a fighter for independence and a friend for the poor and the weak. Due to the polio, he suffered from paralysis of his left arm and right leg. He overcame his physical difficulties, however, and graduated the Ontario Veterinary College with the highest honors in 1910. He first set foot in Korea in 1916 as a professor of medicine at the Severance Hospital. Upon his return to Canada in 1920, he taught about 2000 students and published approximately 140 articles by 1955. He was selected as Persons of National Historic Significance at 2009 by the Canadian government. During the March 1st independence movement, Dr. Schofield recorded atrocities of Imperial Japan with his camera and shared the records with the rest of the world. He was hailed as the "34th representative" along with the 33 representatives of the Korean people during the March 1, 1919 independence movement. He even adopted the Korean name "Sok Ho Pil", which means "Rock, Tiger, Help." He stressed repeatedly that the society as a whole had to take care of the poor. I offer personal account of his care for the poor as I was one of the people who received support from Dr. Schofield. Dr. Schofield generously provided for my tuition and expenses and became my spiritual guide who greatly affected molding of my character. He gave away even his very last book and shoes to those in need and he donated all his wealth to orphanages and the Korean YMCA. Dr. Schofield expressed his love for Korea and humanity through his dedication to missions and scholarly works. He committed his life to the independence (1916-1920) and progress (1958-1970) of the Korean people. His love for Korea was genuine, deep and perpetual.