The Educational World of Joseon People Living in Manchuria during Japanese Imperialism

Abstract

This study examines the educational world of Joseon people living in Manchuria during Japanese imperialism through life history records. It covers educational environment, meanings and value of education, and curriculum and contents of education. The interviewees were immigrants to Manchuria from a colonized nation so they had to suffer from the pains of adapting themselves to a new land, from the economic exploitation of Japanese imperialism, and from national lamentation, and they weren't free from the extant premodern discrimination. This living environment was also their educational environment. They believed education was the key to helping them and their nation escape from poverty and suppression. Therefore, they were unified in the thought that they themselves, their brothers, relatives, and nation should be educated. Finally, in school, they were prevented from using the Joseon language, they were mobilized for labor, and they received a military training education. They respected the Joseon teachers who had national spirit most. Joseon people in Manchuria during Japanese imperialism regarded education as the gateway to a better world from the suppressive and impoverished situation that they and their nation faced. They believed education was the first step to a better future. Therefore, many Joseon people were saddened because they couldn't go to school, and they strived to be educated or to educate by willingly submitting to any economic, national, and physical hardships