The Modernity of Nineteenth-Century Korean Confucianism: A Focus on Perceptions of World Geography in Choe Hangi’s Jigujeonyo

Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to examine Choe Hangi’s Jigujeonyo in order to study turn-of-the-century perceptions of world geography during the final days of Joseon Korea and to examine the circumstances under which aspects of modernity arose out of traditional Confucianism. First, his philosophical perspective of geography is analyzed with a focus on his Giron and Hwaldong unhwa. Second, the content from Jigujeonyo relevant to the earth and world geography are extracted and interpreted. Third, the level of understanding of world geography in late nineteenth century Korea is examined and the social conditions present during the process of modernizing from traditional Confucianism are analyzed. The content and methodology of Choe Hangi’s geographical studies is not as relevant today as it was back then. However, his interest in the new and different in establishing his innovative views and perceptions, his relative objectivity and openness, and his efforts in overcoming biases are certainly worth noting. All of these display an important aspect of the process of modernization from traditional Confucianism.