A study on origin of northern learning in 18th century in Korea

Abstract

Trends of social thought are closely related to history background, cultural tradition, as well as actual demands of the then society. Though Northern Learning that means learning northwards from China was not the mainstream in 18th century in Korea, it brought very great influence in the process of development of Korean modern society. About Northern Learning, the academia paid more attention to study its contents and characteristics, while the root cause of the thought has not been discussed more. Based on analyzing historical data mainly from Yeonheongrok, travel records of Korean tribute officials to China in 18th century, the article discusses its origin, as well as explores the concept of the gap between barbarians and Chinese of Northern Learning, from which Sino-Korean relations in the period will be observed....