안드레아스 에카르트의 한국학 연구와 성과

Abstract

Andreas Eckardt (1884~1974) was a scholar who created the foundation for Korean studies in Germany in the early 20th Century. With an international world-historical view, he studied the general overview of all fields within Korean studies, including Hangul or the Korean alphabets, Korean language, grammar, culture, literature, religion, philosophy, music and art. And Eckardt achieved great academic results. His study on Korean studies was based on respect for Korean history, culture and art. With a full understanding of the unique characteristics of Korean people, Eckardt conducted his study thoroughly and completely, producing more than 100 papers and books. One of the most important factors that enabled Eckardt to conduct his research on Korean studies without much difficulty was that he was fluent in the Korean language and his knowledge of Chinese characters. The following could be concluded in regards to Eckardt’s research on Korean studies: 1. Korea is an independent state with a long history; 2. Korea stands different from China or Japan and is a state with a unique and highly sophisticated level of culture and art and; 3. Korea, from ancient times, has disseminated art and culture to Japan. These views and arguments repetitively appear in all fields of his works on Korean studies that he published. This study examined the founding ideology, process and purpose of entering Korea of Kongregation von Sankt Ottilien, which Eckardt belonged to. In addition, monks’ activities after their relocation to Korea were examined in this study. Furthermore, by exploring Eckardt’s study on the Hangul or the Korean alphabets, Korean language, grammar, history of Korean literature, music and art, this study also attempts to discuss the importance and value of his works as a primary resource of Korean studies. Eckardt was a pioneer who created the foundation for Korean studies in Germany in the early 20th Century, therefore, it could be concluded that the establishment and development of Korean studies began with him and Eckardt could be viewed as the important starting milestone of Korean studies.