Essay Contest Result

The history of Korea, which has undergone all kinds of trials and adversities, contains various events and stories big and small. Many countries were convinced that Korea would disappear into history due to the Korean War. But Korea became the only country in the world that surprised the world by creating a new chapter in history with the "Miracle of the Han River."

We foreigners can take a close look at the wonderful history of Korea in the "Volume 10, History of Korea" of the Understanding Korea Materials series published by the Academy of Korean Studies. In the materials, foreigners who want to do research on Korean history or obtain personal knowledge can take a close look at information about people and events by period and wars. More historical materials that give easier access to Korean history will be helpful for foreigners to understand Korea by getting to know about the lives of Koreans, as well as their culture.

There are some events that deeply impressed me personally. The first one is Byeonginyangyo (French attack in 1866) and Sinmiyangyo (American Disturbance of 1871) during the late Joseon Dynasty. The two events show that how Koreans coped with a crisis and defended the country against all adversities. Byeonginyangyo, which took place at Samrangseong, Ganghwado Island, was a war between France and Korea. At that time, Korea did not have enough arms and guns to fight a war, while France had the latest 19th-century guns. How did Korea take on the situation, having only the 16th-century rifles that could fire only one shot a minute? Believing that it would be good enough to make good use of weapons in hand, General Yang Heon-soo deployed hunters chosen from among ordinary citizens and defeated the French in an ambush operation. France lost the war eventually. Koreans won the war by fighting with the firm resolve that "I protect my own country." Second is Sinmiyangyo which was provoked by the U.S. in Gwangseongbo Sondolmok. The United States wanted Joseon to open port, which was an excess demand. It was a demand for extraterritoriality that "applies the U.S. law to Americans who commit wrongdoings in Joseon." Negotiations failed, and the U.S. military fired warning artillery attacks in a show of force. Joseon could not avoid the U.S. military's attack and lost the battle as it had only the Myeonjebaegap armor used as bulletproof vest and lacked weapons and measures. The battle ended with 350 deaths of Koreans against just three American deaths. The battle took 48 hours, so the U.S. called it the 48-hour battle.

Looking at these two wars, one can see that Koreans are persevering people and do not give up under any circumstances. In order to help foreigners understand better the two battles, it would be good to provide images and materials with more detailed information about Jeondeungsa Temple which was the background of the wars. There are interesting writings on the pillars of Daeungbojeon Hall at Jeondeungsa Temple. Soldiers who participated in Byeonginyangyo and Sinmiyangyo left their names and wishes in writings. There are wishes that say, "Please protect our country." Letting foreigners know about such backgrounds would be effective in helping them understand Korean history.

There also is the story of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty and his son Crown Prince Sado. This is a very interesting and sorrowful story that shows what kind of person Yeongjo was as a human or a father. King Yeongjo really loved his son and believing that he was a genius, gave strict education from a young age when the child was to enjoy playing. When the father asked Sado something, the son who was eating took food out of his mouth before answering out of courtesy to his father, which deepened the fatherly love. In the meantime, Sado gradually felt lonely and began to fear his father because of the king's pressure on education. Eventually, Sado lost interest in studying, and a conflict began between the king and the prince who was interested in martial arts. The father dealt out big punishment. King Yeongjo ordered Sado to commit suicide. The place was Changgyeonggung Palace. Sado was locked up in a small grain chest, and stayed there without food and water for more than a week. Sado lost his life eventually. Sado's original name was "Lee Seon," but the king gave a new name after his son died. Sado means "think and feel sad." In fact, the son of a sinner could not become king, so King Yeongjo did not kill his son and ordered suicide. Only by doing so, King Jeongjo, the son of Sado, could succeed the throne.

This is a sad story. But there are also stories that show what kind of king Yeongjo was as a monarch, besides being a father. One such thing is the fact that Yeongjo communicated with the people, asked for their opinions in meetings at Honghwamun Gate, the main gate of Changgyeonggung Palace, before making policies.

Regarding Jeongjo, the son of Sado, he liked reading and writing diaries, which he started at the age of nine. King Jeongjo's diaries were put together into the historical material Ilseongrok. About two months are missing in the material. King Jeongjo was shocked by his father's death and did not write anything for two months. I believe that stories like this should be included in the relevant Korean historical materials. If foreigners learn about such Korean history and get to know what happened there in advance, they will be able to make their visit to Changgyeonggung Palace more realistic.

The Volume 10 of "History of Korea" of the Understanding Korea Materials series includes information on systems and institutions proclaimed by King Yeongjo. It explains about the Gunyeokje Law and Gunpo (tax), but does not mention the relationship between the son and the father. I think that this shows an unexpected image of the king, and personally, I believe that it is interesting information that King Yeongjo communicated with the people. I think such stories should be included in the materials. Regarding Byeonginyangyo and Sinmiyangyo, the materials only mention Joseon's lack of weapons, and do not explain about under what circumstances Joseon first attacked the U.S. military. I also believe that it would be beneficial to include information about Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace, which have important positions in Korean history. I think it will be very beneficial if information about palaces is included. Including events that took place in those places or the meaning of shapes or patterns in the palace will be effective in helping foreigners who want to know Korean culture.

There are very important and significant events that need to be included in Korean historical materials. It is important for the whole world to know the events of Korean history. The 'History of Korea' of the Understanding Korea Materials series seems to provide only encyclopedic knowledge. While providing information about the period and details of war and involved countries, the materials will be able to mention what the people were doing at that time, and how Korea won war despite difficult situation. Inclusion of Interesting and meaningful stories and photos about kings, not only things related to their rule but also their private life, will help foreigners understand more deeply the culture and history of this wonderful country.