The Rise of Nationalism in Korea

Abstract

The development of nationalism in Korea in the twentieth century must be seen in the light of late nineteenth century theories and movements. In response to confrontation with Japan and Western nations during the latter half of the 1800s, three prominent ideologies developed in Korea: the "defend orthodoxy, ban heterodoxy" [ wijŏng ch'ŏksa ], "enlightenment" [ kaehwa ], and "Eastern learning" [ Tonghak ] movements. These ideologies focused attention on issues of national identity and the appropriate response to the challenge of foreign penetration. The evolution of these three movements through the first decade of the twentieth century created the framework for the subsequent Korean response to colonialism and the later development of nationalism.