The Role of Sungkyunkwan during the Joseon Dynasty and Implications for Modern Education in South Korea

The Role of Sungkyunkwan during the Joseon Dynasty and Implications for Modern Education in South Korea

The present study has investigated and explored the role of Sungkyunkwan during the Joseon Dynasty and implications for modern education in South Korea using numerous literature dataset, such as google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science. Sungkyunkwan had a significant role in the Joseon dynasty's academic, social and political life. They were known as Sungkyunkwan scholars and were the elite group with a significant controlling influence over the governmental structure. In addition, they influenced policy-making, judiciary, and culture preservation through their understanding and application of Confucianism. More specifically, the Sungkyunkwan graduates were appointed to serve in many administrative capacities in Hanyang and other city provinces, spreading the culture and beliefs of Sungkyunkwan throughout the kingdom. According to the prior study, South Korea faces the issues of modernity; however, the approaches brought by Sungkyunkwan and the concept of education that was adopted still have their relevance. Education in modern Korean society is closely connected with scholars; schools and universities are built to cultivate brilliant individuals with solid morals and values for society. The spirit of Sungkyunkwan, which is about diligence, perseverance, and ethical conduct, is still rooted in the Korean educational system.