A National Movement and Social Movement of Region of Dang-jin Christian Elite on the 1910 - 1950

Abstract

Dang-din, located in north-west of ChungNam, was developed sea transportations from the early stage of the history. But its inconvenient transportation in the land worked as an obstacle to develop the society.BR In the early stage of christianity, the christianity was imported and spread from the sea near Dang-Jin areas, different from Hongsung areas, where it was spread from the town.BR Some families which had strong local power, led the region in Dang-Jin from 16th to 19th century. Because of the strong influence of local gentry, the common people had no chance to develop their consciousness of present. But the change was started in the society of the region as the authority of confucianism decayed.BR Christianity was accepted and spread in Dang-Jin area lively, when the missionary, R.A.Sharp arrived at Nan-Ji Do, and introduced christianity for the first time in the region in 1903. Two years later in 1905, Samhwa church was founded.BR The churches in the region tried to preach the gospel and educate the people at the same time. Therefore many new elites based on the christianity appeared. These new elites in the church made an important role to instill the national movement and social movement in the society under the rule of Japanese Imperialism.BR Many early churches except in Seoul, were in the rural areas. including Dang-Jin. These churches recognized the difficulties of the community as their own problems and tried to solve those matters. In many fields, they served the community and they also tried to save the people from the poverty and ignorance.BR These local christian elites also participated to develop and grow the community during the present history of Korea through the liberation and Korean War. The elections for the president, national assembly men and local assembly men after the independence of Korea, gave some bases to study the activity of the elites in these regions.BR In this period, only a few christian leaders took part in the political activities to stand for political opinions, and to be elected from many kinds of elections. Then why is that? The reason can be studied in many facts. It is not that they become less active in participating in social problems, but they were more concerned about the reconstruction and growth of the church than participation to solve the problems of their present during the chaotic situations of the liberations. American military administration, the conflict between the left and right wings, and Korean War, etc.