조선의 백의와 외국인의 시선

Abstract

The identity of a country and its people is defined by the people themselves but also can be newly interpreted by other cultures outside of Korea. Through the eyes of foreigners, we can have a look on ourselves in various perspectives. The purpose of this document is to analyze the Korean costume witnessed by westerners during the end of 19th century to early 20th century. In particular, we will have a special attention on the Korean’s white dress tradition which are deeply rooted in the belief and the life of folks in Chosun Dynasty and the true meaning of the image it represents. The image, the life style of Chosun Dynasty witnessed by foreigners a hundred years ago and the related records are a precious and new discovery of our life and of our past. The westerners’ records, the symbolic and impressive rhetoric about their travel in Korea, help us to learn the turbulent history and culture of the late Chosun Dynasty. Blinded by the militarism and colonialism during the period of Japanese rule, many Korean intellectuals distorted the image of Korean people in their works. But the westerners’ point of view on the daily life of Korean people is totally opposite to that of oriental intellectuals and introduces a new view point of our lives and culture. Especially their travel journals, which show a deep appreciation in the spirit rooted in the Korean costume and its unique white- dress tradition, are very important and useful materials for us to hold a communication with ourselves. The records are a mirror for our lives, through which we can see the daily life of Korean people in Chosun Dynasty in the eyes of others.