우계 성혼의 가정교육

Abstract

This paper examines Ugyae Seong-hon’s upbringing at home reflected in his letter of will which he wrote in the face of life and death and unclear succession of the moral philosophy which was his familial doctrine. It is a widely known fact that parent’s emotional attitude has direct impact on shaping children’s morality. After a recent research found that the father’s rearing attitude has a positive effect on education at home, the role of father is changing from ‘economic breadwinner of family’ to ‘active caretaker of child’. The new role of the father being ‘warmly encouraging, appropriately controlling and practicing future-oriented discipline’ of the child’s behavior can address the problem of household education in Korean society. In this regard, the 20 letters left by Ugyae Seong-hon have great value these days. The content on household education as a letter written in the form of a will can be summarized in four. First, it has an emphasis on frugality. Ugyae requests to hold simple funerals and weddings of his sons. Second, it is the succession of moral philosophy as familial doctrine. Ugyae requests that the teachings of his father and the spirit of the literature be passed down to his descendants. Third, it is encouragement and discipline catered to each individual children. Ugyae encourages customizing discipline according to the circumstances and conditions of each child. Fourth, it is the practice of patriotism and love of the people as a gentry. Ugyae emphasizes the affection towards the people concerned about the future of the nation and the well-being of the people as a gentry who should be responsible for governing of the nation.