19세기 새로운 지식인의 출현: 오경석론

Abstract

Born in a family of the interpretation business, Oh Gyeong-Seok became an official Chinese-language interpretor according to the family tradition. But he was inherently clever and effortful, so he could get deep insights to epigraphy and calligraphic painting. He wrote and published an academic literature titled Samhan Geumseokrok. He also exchanged with literary men of the Ching nation as he collected or created calligraphic paintings. Going beyond being faithful to his profession, Oh Gyeong-Seok sharply examined an international political situation that he observed in Bejing, that is, the Western powers' penetration into the East. Accordingly, he tried to broaden his knowledge as he purchased and read geographical, historical, scientific and technological books that were just published around the world. He realized that Joseon would face crisis not so long. So he didn't stay at reading those books, but brought them to the country and actively distributed them to other people. He accepted the Enlightenment Thought since his profession naturally led him to be flexible in thinking, aware of civilization and much influenced by lots of Chinese officials with whom he made friendships. However, driving him to pervade and educate that thought in Joseon were his confidence in his own thoughts and his ability to judge other thoughts, and his sincere speculation for the reforms of the country. This is why we can call him an intellect of the 19th century.