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.

Neo-confucianism in the Joseon dynasty

Under Joseon neo-confucianism, or seongrihak, there was even greater encouragement of Confucian ideas and ideals such as ch'ung or loyalty; hyo or filial piety; in or benevolence; and shin or trust.

Related Topics:
Joseon - Neo-confucianism

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To a great degree the harmonic Confucian ideals of familial, local, regional, and national development in a peaceful way gave the Joseon dynasty both its strength, and its long reign of peaceful relations with its neighbours. But such Korean benevolence also made it both naive and vulnerable against bellicose states such as Japan which had no such moral restrictions after the decline of the samurai realpolitik and the limitless expansionism after the Meiji restoration.

Related Topics:
Realpolitik - Meiji restoration

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During the Joseon Dynasty, from 1392 on, Confucianism was the primary system of belief amongst the scholarly yangban classes and generals. Koreans historically have found religions natural and easy, and have maintained an overlap between all religions - the Yi family generals, thus restrained buddhism, maintained shamanism in rural areas, but encouraged Confucianism for its use in administration and social regulation; as well as integrating a civilised society very fast on the Chinese bureaucratic models to increase cultural transference from China.

Related Topics:
Joseon Dynasty - Yangban

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Korean Confucian schools were built, all of which had foreign educated scholars, large libraries, patronage of artisans and artists, and a curriculum based on Confucian ideals. Thus by the time of King Sejong (r. 1418 - 1450), all branches of learning were rooted in this way of thinking although branches of Korean buddhism were still let to grow outside of the major political centres in a tolerance of other kinds of worship. The Korean Confucian curriculum of 13 to 15 major works, and exegetical commentary was extensive, and requires time which we do not have here.

Related Topics:
Confucian schools - King Sejong - 1418 - 1450 - Korean buddhism - Korean Confucian curriculum

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Confucianism in Joseon Korea flourished most notably in the 16th century, under the guidance of the country's two most prominent Confucian scholars. Yi Hwang (1501-1570) and Yi I (1536-1584)—who are often referred to by their pen names "Toegye" and "Yulgok" respectively —are commemorated today on South Korea's 1,000- and 5,000-Won notes respectively, and in the names of major thoroughfares in central Seoul.

Related Topics:
16th century - Yi Hwang - 1501 - 1570 - Yi I - 1536 - 1584 - South Korea - Won - Seoul

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As the Joseon dynasty lasted more than five centuries, a rough division of the progression of Korean confucianism is this:

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• First century, governmental administration confucianized
• Second century, golden age of Confucian philosophers
• Third century, development of patrilineal lineage system based on power wielded by the eldest son
• Fourth century, Confucian mysticism and seeking of sage-like qualities in ruling classes
• Fifth century, Confucian system breaks down when faced with western encounters, collapse of Q'ing dynasty, and Japanese invasions; Confucianism goes underground, to await a revival in the sixth century republican period.