1910년대 국내외 國學 연구의 동향

Research Trends in Korean Studies in 1910s

In 1910s, Korean researchers in the field of Korean studies tried to keep Korean tradition under Japanese colonial rule. Choson Kwangmunhoe (朝鮮光文會) and Shinmunkwan (新文館) played a leading role in this movement. Choson Kwangmunhoe did some basic works for Korean studies, such as publication of a number of Korean classics and compilation of dictionaries. Shinmunkwan, a publishing house founded by Choi Namseon, published most of the books on the Korean studies in this period. The activities of these organizations contributed to the research and education on Korean language. In the field of Korean history, the study focusing on Manchuria had continuously attracted researchers’ attention since the late 19th century. A number of researches on the history of Korean Buddhism and Confucianism were published. These interests in the history of Korean Buddhism and Confucianism show the reality that the Korean researchers tried to resist the religion promotion policy of Japanese authorities but could not be free from its influence. Korean researchers in 1910s also showed their interests in a real person in history – not only the great figures but common people. Young researchers in their 20-30s, who had received a modern education, were emerged in this period. They emphasized the Korean identity and the uniqueness of Korean culture, using modern methodologies on Korean studies. As for overseas Korean researchers, most of them were enlightened Confucians in exile. They researched Korean history focusing on Manchuria and wrote a history of the invasion of Japanese imperialism and biographies of Korean patriots to express their anti-Japanese sentiment. For overseas Korean scholars, the research on Korean Studies could be a different type of Korean independent movement. In U.S, the first Korean economic history was published against all odds. Compare to that in 1900s, tradition and modernity were co-existed in the field of Korean studies in 1910s, especially in methodology and a pool of researcher. Korean studies in this period were on the process of transition into modern scholarship.