This book discusses the historical development of Korean
Confucianism in terms of its social functions. It also examines
the types of transfiguration Confucianism underwent and the
role it played in each period of Korean history. The Land
of Scholars spans from the Three Kingdoms period in 18 BC
to the Joseon dynasty in 1910. The book not only gives a comprehensive
and in-depth survey of the history of Korean Confucian thought
but also touches on the transmission of Buddhism, Confucianism,
and Christianity in Korea.
Kang Jae-eun approaches the significance of Confucianism
from the perspective of its cultural and social context. He
explains Confucianism from a viewpoint that reflects on exchanges
between Korea and Japan and the broader context of East Asian
relationships. Kang also challenges the views of some Korean
academics whose works on Confucianism are considered to be
distortions and misinterpretations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in 1926 in Korea, Kang Jae-eun earned his
PhD in literature from Kyoto University in Japan. For twenty-two
years, he has been the editor of Samcheolli (Three thousand
li) and Cheonggu (Korea), quarterly magazines that act as a
forum and compass for Korean residents in Japan. Professor Kang
is regarded as one of the foremost historians that led the Japanese
academia after the liberation of Korea. His other books include
Modern Thoughts of Korea and A Study of the Modern History of
Korea in Japanese.
ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR
A Korean-American, Suzanne
Lee graduated from University of California, Los
Angeles with a degree in psychology. She is interested in
Korean studies and her current study/research focus is Korean
philosophy.
