선비문화의 역사적 전개와 미래 ― 생명, 평화, 공익, 백성, 나라 사랑 ―

Abstract

Korean Cultures have been influenced by the foreign cultures from ancient to modern periods. Buddhism and Confucianism had been introduced to Korea from China. Modern Western cultures have been also influxed into Korea in 20th century. However, the Korean’s cultural identity is much different from that of Chinese and Western people. It is due to the Korean’s indigenous natural environments and beliefs made in the beginnings of history. Korean's original beliefs have been called as Sŏnbi-Spirits from ancient time, and Sŏnbi-Spirits have been developed into more deepened political ideologies throughout the Koreo, Joseon, and modern times. The main contents of Sŏnbi-Spirits are loves of all lives, natural environment, peace, social community, peoples, and motherland. And Sŏnbi-Spirits promoted the democratization, modernization and national identity in Korean style during the all the times. The main cause of the brilliant achievement of Korean economic growth after the liberation from Japanese occupation seems to be relied upon the eagerness for education of Korean people. And the Korean’s eagerness for education originated from the Sŏnbi-Spirits, because the education was the main way of success in life during the pre-modern periods. The civil examinations were the ladder of success in Koreo and Joseon Dynasties. In the future, I think, Sŏnbi-Spirits should be noticed by the Korean and world as well. Because those might be one of the alternatives of current civilizations neglecting global peace, natural environments, and social community.