고려.조선시대의 역사의식과 문화정체성론

Historical Consciousness and Cultural Identity during the Goryo and Joseon Period

Historians of Goryo and Joseon have argued that 'Estern Country' which refers to Korea had its own history different from Chinese history. However, cultural identity has been changed from Goryo to Joseon Dynasty. During the Goyro Dynasty, cultural uniqueness was important whereas during the early period of Joseon, both cultural uniqueness and universality(Confucianism) were regraded as important. During the latter period of Joseon, Confucianism was rather stressed as Korean cultural identity. The idea that Joseon had its own language and customs which differed from the Chinese had developed until the idea of “Korea as Little China” was introduced during the early period of Joseon. Later, the idea of “Korea as Little China” was even more strengthened and the historians maintained that Confucianism had been developed since Dangun Joseon period. It means that they attempted to find Korean cultural identity in Confucianism. In conclusion, although the theory of Korean nationalism was framed in the early 20th century, the basic idea was originated from the historical consciousness of intellectuals in the Goryo and Joseon dynasty.