경상도 유교지식인의 동학농민군 인식과 대응

The Recognition and Response of the Confucian Scholars of Gyeongsang-do to the Donghak Peasant Army

This article researches into the recognition and response of the confucian scholars of Gyeongsang-do area to Donghak and its followers in the late period of the Chosun Dynasty. The feudal government and confucian scholars in the beginning of the Donghak considered Donghak as heresy, and Donghak followers as those who destroy the confucian morals. Therefore, for the development of confucianism, they contended that Hyanggyo(鄕校) and Sowon(書院), which were local educational institutions, be reestablished and that Hyangyak(鄕約) and Ogajaktongje(五家作統制), which were local government regulations, be enforced. The recognition of the confucian scholars of Donghak and their countermeasure for the destruction of the confucian morals have been more strengthened in the period of Donhgak Peasamt War. Moreover, the conservative government and confucian scholars established Local Directorates in each area and oppressed Donghak peasant army harshly. Likewise, the attitude toward the Donhak and its followers of the confucian scholars in the Gyeongsang-do area was remarkably negative, and their countermeasure was so cruel. Thus the anti-imperialistic and anti-feudalistic movement of the Donghak peasant war in the late period of the Chosun dynasty was thoroughly restrained by the feudal government and the confucian scholars.