孔子의 ‘九夷’와 韓國民族思想의 연관성 논의

Abstract

‘Dong Yi’ has played a pivotal role in the development of culture and history of the ancient East Asia. The people of 'Yi' formed most of ancient East Asia's culture, philosophy and religion. Later, compiled by Confucius(Kongzi), it established an academic system known as Confucianism and has a key part in the spiritual core of the East Asian society. When discussing the root of Korean people, ‘Yi people’ or ‘Dong Yi’, ‘Gu Yi’ are the primary group of people discussed. Likewise, Dong Yi is a representation of the identity of Korean and origin of the Korean ideology. In 『Discourses of Confucius』, Confucius(Kongzi) mentions the wish to live in ‘Gu Yi. Here, the expression ‘wish to live’ can be interpreted as a characteristic of a society. Namely, a place where liveable to a man of virtue(Gunja). If the ‘Yi’ which Confucius yearned for and the ‘Yi’ which is the root of the Korean people are equivalent, this can be one criteria when comprehending the standard of the ancient Korean people. Dong Yi, the tribes scattered around in the eastern Asian region since 4,000 years ago have achieved a high level of culture. By connecting the true nature of Dong Yi, the relationship with Eun dynasty, the relationship between Gojoseon and Eun dynasty, through references from old literature and archeological sources, it proves that the spiritual culture of Dong Yi is the origin of the Korean Confucianism ideology. The Korean people are descendants of the Dong Yi gene, its culture are deeply impregnated within Korean’s feelings, and has developed a national culture as it integrates with Confucianism. By this national spirit, we can inspire the pride of the people and realize the meaning of ‘my existence’.