1890년대 개화지식인의 문명담론과 한성부의 ‘위생도시’ 기획 -『독립신문』기사 내용을 중심으로-

Abstract

This study investigates the contents and characteristic of the enlightened intellectuals' civilization discourse in The Independence. In addition, we examine that the emphasis on civilization and sanitation discourse to make Hansung (Seoul) into a modern and sanitary city was part of their policies for national prosperity and military power. The enlightened intellectuals of the 1890s, using the terms of enlightenment and civilization, emphasized Chosun's modernization and policies for national prosperity and military power, and accepted modern Western culture and civilization actively. Their discourse of civilization juxtaposed civilization against barbarianism and defined it as adversarial, a sign of urgency that Chosun can only gain independence when it strives for prosperity and military power through the civilizing of the nation. The greatest influence in the spreading of the civilization discourse was the circulation of The Independence, published in Hangul (Korean characters). The enlightened intellectuals emphasized Chosun's national prosperity and military power and preserving its autonomy and independence, and formed the public opinion of transforming Hansung into modern sanitary city. They attempted to make Hansung, the center of Chosun politics, economics, culture, and administration, into an international and modern city of a civilized nation. Originally, Hansung was a medieval city constructed on the conditions of feung shui and principles of ideal kingship politics. However, after the opening of ports, the traditional spatial structure of Hansung was reorganized. The full-scale remodeling of Hansungbu was carried out right after the Agwan Pacheon (the royal refugee at the Russian legation). The remodeling project of Hansungbu consisted mainly of road and river reorganizing work. The Independence repeatedly published editorials to form the public opinion, claiming that this project was crucial not only for the Chosun people but also to show foreigners that Chosun is not a primitive nation. The enlightened intellectuals believed that a big population would promise a civilized nation and a central measure for national prosperity and military power was a population increase, especially in the number of young men who were considered as the basis of national military power. What was emphasized within this process was the development of medicine and the establishment of the sanitary administration. This was due to the belief that the basis of national prosperity and military power was closely related with the nurturing and health conditions of the Chosun people. Therefore, to maintain satisfactory health conditions, it was important to establish a pleasant space as well as developing their nutritive condition. In conclusion, making Hansungbu, the center of Chosun, into a sanitary city was central in the enlightened intellectuals' national prosperity and military power policies for preserving Chosun's independence and its westernization and modernization.