한말 천안지역 근대교육운동의 성격

Abstract

The mass-education drive which developed in Seoul served as a fresh stimulant for the Korean patriots in Cheonan area wishing for revitalizing reform. This fact is verified by the activities of the members of Jiksan branch of Daehanjaganghoi · Daehanhyeobhoi and Mokcheon branch of Gihoheunghakhoi which were the societies for the mass-education. The leading activists were Hoi-Yeol Ji, Geung-Yeon Won, Jae-Gi Min, etc. and Cheonan representative system by the people and Jiksan compulsory education system were led by them. The model educational institutions were Gyeongwi School, Daedong School, evening classes for the workingmen, etc. Some of them were run as a part of compulsory education. Especially, evening classes made a sacrifice of themselves for the increase of harvest opportunity as well as deepening the recognition of the realities of life. Jiksan was operated under people's good response and the number of the students attending the evening class reached 300. The course of study laid stress upon elementary education treating of modern sciences and the old learning. The main subjects were the Korean language, history, moral training, singing, gymnastics, etc. The songs encouraging learning to train the students' mind and body and gymnastics of military way were to infuse militaristic spirit into the hearts of the students. Singing was not the simple music but wise sayings of the ancients for the students. To make education substantial was performed by revamping the education system and the honorary teachers' devotion. The united sports meeting was the very spot to emphasize the necessity of modern education and to unite the strong bonds of the residents. This is proved by their voluntary donations for the school operation. The speech meeting, which was the event after the sports meeting, was the open forum to make for sound life and culture and to form constructive public opinion. The new culture of the mass of the people to keep up with social changes was created in this course. On the other hand, some local civil servants didn't mind to be engaged in the illegal activities on the pretext of founding a new school. What is worse, there was a case that they operated a Japanese-type school and helped the invasive activities of Japanese imperialism. This concerns the negative reaction of the natives to modern education. However, their recognition of the realities of life deepened and was succeeded to national consciousness and anti-Japanese spirit. Also it worked as a foundation for the campaign for liberation of the people during Japanese colonial rule. In the history of the campaign for liberation of the people, the historical significance of modern education lies in this point.