朝鮮朝 儒敎的 統治理念에 나타난 資本主義 성립의 停滯性에 관한 연구

A study on the aborted development of capitalism as seen in the confucian ideology of Chosun dynasty - focusing on the social ideas and policies on commerce and industry of the period -

The rise of capitalism coincided with the formation of a modern nation, which in turn was made possible through the replacement of agriculture by commerce and industry, and this was possible only when and where the social milieu was ready for such a transformation. Chosun Dynasty traditional suppressed commerce and industry to an extraordinary degree because they were concerned lest the development of commerce should reduce the importance of agriculture and deplete the rural area. However, in the late Chosun period, a new policy on currency implemented by King Sookjong in the 4th year of his reign initiated the use of money across the country. It was in this new atmosphere that the new economic system based on industry was born that would replace the traditional agricultural economy, and socioeconomic changes caused a disturbance in the old social order. Silhahk(“Practical Studies”) appeared at this turning point of Korean history, and it envisioned a new society based on modern industrial economic system. It thrived during the reigns of tow kings, Youngjo and Jungjo, but its influence was aborted around 1800 due to the rise of reactionary forces, mainly the relatives of the queen, who dominated the king in important matters of the state. Between 1800 when King Soonjo acceded to the throne and 1863 King Gojong succeeded Chuljong and his father Daewonkun managed to take control of the regime, the king had no authority to form or implement his own policies. One can only guess what would have happened if Youngjo and Jungjo was succeeded by a great king instead of Soonjo, Hunjong and Chuljong, but it is not unlikely that something like the Meiji Reform occurred long time before the Japanese started it. If so, it would have been impossible for Japan to colonize Korea so easily. However, Silhahk did not take roots or left a lasting influence on Chosun history. Although it could have engendered a primitive form of capitalism, it didn’t not, and the development of capitalism in Korea was deferred for a long time.