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Silhak




In a broad sense, the beginning of Silhak can be traced to the aftermath of the Seven Year War , the devastating 16th century invasion by Japan. Generally, the term "Silhak" refers to the reform-minded scholarship within the Confucian framework, rather than the more nationalistic peasant movements or the later non- or anti-Confucian modernization schools.

Its proponents generally argued for reforming the rigid Confucian social structure, land reforms to relieve the plight of peasant farmers, redefining the traditionally submissive relationship with China, promoting Korea's independent national identity and culture, and adapting Western commerce, industry and technologies.


PROMINENT SCHOLARS

  • Yu Hyeong-won , representing the first generation of Silhak scholars

  • Yi Ik , of the second generation of Silhak scholars, founder of the 경세치용파(經世致用派), advocating reforms of land ownership, economic infrastructure, and government administration

  • Pak Jiwon , center of the 이용후생파(利用厚生派), promoting industrialization, technological reforms

  • Kim Jeonghui , representing the 실사구시파(實事求是派)

  • Jeong Yak-yong , leading the third and last wave of Silhak movement



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