한말 지식인의 動向과 東學

Abstract

This study sought to examine what kind of intellectuals were in the second half of the 19th century in the Joseon dynasty, how they recognized the political situations and responded to it, and what was the position and role of Donghak (東學) developed amid such situations. The 19th-century Joseon faced two major issues. One issue was to reform the inner politics, and the other was to respond to Seohak (Western Learning). Intellectuals responded to these issues with the following methods, if simply summarized; (1)Repel Wicked and Defend Justice, (2)Defend Justice and Enlighten, (3) Enlighten and Modify Law, and (4)Repel Wicked and Modify Law. (1)Typical intellectuals of the category of Repeal Wicked and Defend Justice included Confucians spread nationwide, and Prince Heungseon and his aides. (2)Intellectuals of the category of Defend Justice and Enlighten included early-time enlightenment seekers, some central government officials advocating King Gojong's policy of opening the nation to foreigners, and figures participating in various overseas events following the conclusion of Ganghwa Treaty. These advocated the enlightenment policy with the theory of adopting Eastern spirit and Western technology. (3)Typical intellectuals of the category of Enlighten and Modify Law included the initiators of Gapsinjeonbyeon Reform. They were young people studied in Japan in their 20s to 30s. Another group was the initiators of Gapogaehyeok Reform, and many of them sought asylum overseas right after Gapsinjeongbyeon Reform, and not a few joined forces of Defend Justice and Enlighten. Donghak embraced the position of (4) Repel Wicked and Modify Law. Donghak tried to most ideally resolve the inner political reform and international problems confronting Joseon since the 19th century, and represented the people's ardent longing. So at the time when Choe Je-u, the founder of Donghak, was active, thousands of people followed his belief, and they expanded to tens of thousands when Choe Si-hyeong, the second founder of Donghak, ruled. This movement finally led to Gapo Farmers' Movement nationwide. Afterwards, Donghak, embracing the intellectuals of the category of Reform and Modify Law, pressed forward with civilization reform movement, and led the Gimi Independence Declaration, thus leaving the greatest achievement in Korean history.