근대 이행기 한국 지역사회 변동과 서원의 변용

Abstract

Modern transitional period of Korea after experiencing Colonial Modernity needs to be approached from a multifaceted perspective. In the midst of rapid social mobility, the continuation of tradition and modernization coexisted, and the traditional ruling order was not dismantled, but rather preserved and strengthened in certain areas. In Korea, the caste system as an institution was abolished by the Gabo reform, but its influence remained strong during the colonial period. A typical example is how the Confucians sought to differentiate themselves under Japanese occupation by renewing seowon, participating in hyanggyo, publishing genealogy. Meanwhile, the Japanese colonial community was led by a group called the local magnate, who were able to establish a reputation and pose as magnate through their activities in various organizations organized by the Government-General of Korea.
 The Government-General of Korea wanted to incorporate hyanggyo and seodang into the system as a supplement to socialization and general education. Hyanggyo served as a hub for local Confucians under the strict control of the Government-General of Korea. The Government-General of Korea also wanted to use the hyanggyo's properties to carry out edification work, believing that despite the hyanggyo's declining status in society, the social control of the hyanggyo and Confucians remained effective. Seodang, a traditional educational institution, was to be partially incorporated into the modern school system.
 In the case of seowon, however, was marginalized and peripheralized. Local clan sought to maintain their influence in the community by establishing their status as yangban(兩班) family through seowon, which led to the restoration and establishment of seowon.
 However, the role and influence of seowon was greatly diminished during the Japanese colonial period, in part due to the weak economic base. In the case of Oksan Seowon, a representative seowon in the Yeongnam area, tried to find a way to solve its debt problems by placing its land in trust.