기호학적 접근에 의한 한국인의 흰색상징 분석

Analysis of the Korean Symbolic Meaning of White by the Approach of Semiotics

This study aims to analyze the background of color concept formation on white by Korean and the associated symbolic significance continued on from the ancient times to the period before the time of enlightenment. The white color of Korea is the origin of color concept that was derived from the notion of considering the heaven and human as a single being, which was based on the idea of worshipping nature. Originated from the primitive religion to worship the sun, the white color since became fused into Buddhism of the era of the Three States and Goryeo dynasty and with Confucianism of Lee dynasty to continuously serve as the representative and symbolic color. The symbolic significance of white for Korean was categorized into the color of divinity, propitiousness, and spiritual sphere and color of artlessness； divinity by dividing into the concepts of heaven/sun/sky/deity, brightness/hope, purity/innocence and ablution/exorcism； artlessness by dividing into the concepts of natural color/true color/original color and non-possession/abstinence； spiritual sphere by dividing into the concepts of integrity/allegiance, emancipation/meditation and the highest spirituality of the universe. As the precipitous significance became greater through the passing of time, white has been preferred by Korean people for a long time.