Korean Confucianism

Korean Confucianism is the form of Confucianism developed in Korea. One of the most substantial influences in Korean intellectual history was the introduction of Confucian thought as part of the cultural exchange from China. Today the legacy of Confucianism remains a fundamental part of Korean society, shaping the moral system, the way of life, social relations between old and young, high culture, and is the basis for much of the legal system. Confucianism in Korea is sometimes considered a pragmatic way of holding a nation together without the civil wars and internal dissent that was inherited from the Goryeo dynasty, and before.

Goryeo Dynasty Confucianism

To a great extent, two figures have lasting influence concluding the Goryeo dynasty: Jeong Dojeon (1324-1398) and the monk, Gihwa (1376-1433) who assisted the transition from Buddhism to neo-Confucianism with tremendously interesting debate.

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Jeong, in his Bulssi Japbyeon or "Array of Critiques of Buddhism" summed up critiques of Seon Buddhism brought by Hanyu, the Cheng brothers, and Zhuxi. Gihwa answered with his Hyeonjeong non or "Exposition of the Correct", a polite defence of buddhism, but at the same time an aggressive taking to task of neo-Confucian waivering between ideal and execution. Texts are cited at length in external links below.

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