A Study on the Homer Hulbert’s View on Neo-Confucianism : Focuses on His Views of Sejong and Yeongjo in his History of Korea

Abstract

Hulbert’s History of Korea was published in Seoul, Korea in 1905. His book is significant in many ways. First of all, it was a history book on Korea at the time of Korea losing it diplomatic sovereignty to Japan. Also, this book reflects a view-point of a Westerner on Korean history and tradition. In addition, Hulbert’s book is a good historical source to understand the Korean condition while he was serving for the Korean government. Besides the various historical significances of his book, this paper focuses on the subject that what was a Westerner’s view point about the kingship of Joseon. Joseon was the dynasty established based on the ideology of Neo- Confucianism. Although Neo-Confucianism was born in China, Joseon was the only kingdom adopting this ideology as a national creed. Although Hulbert understood Asia and especially Korea well, as a Westerner, he reflect unique view on the kingship of Joseon. It is important to analyze his view because Joseon’s kingship was very effective and well-functioning for him. His view-point with Western influences, he provided interesting analyses on the kingship of Neo-Confucian dynasty of Joseon. Although some scholars criticize his book, it is worth to analyze his book to see what a Westerner see of history of Korea. It is important to learn the different viewpoints on the history of Korea at the era of globalization. Understanding various viewpoints and historical approaches give more objective view in writing and understanding history. Achieving this goal, this paper analyzes the descriptions on the parts of Sejong and Yeongjo in Hulbert’s book. Throughout the 600 years of Joseon history, Sejong and Yeongjo were two king who exercised the centralized kingship than any other kings of the dynasty. The system of centralized kingship is the political aim of the Neo-Confucianism. Doing so, this paper will provide better understanding on the subject of Neo-Confucian political system as well as the political nature of Joseon. In addition, seeing this subject through an eye of Westerner provides the different viewpoint to understand the history of Joseon as well as Neo-Confucianism.