Introducing the book "Introduction to the History of Korean Thought" by authors Kim Seong Beom, Kim Sang Ho, and Dao Vu Vu. This is the first work in Vietnam to comprehensively introduce Korean thought from its origins to the end of the modern era. Published by the Social Sciences Publishing House in 2011, the book is 1184 pages long.
Different nations unite in purpose; scholarship originates from the Ancestor King. We share blessings and rejoice in the five virtues; talent and heavenly treasures are lacking in the three fields. The White Silk and White Silk are exchanged as gifts; the Red Silk and Red Silk are presented as memorials. Letters written with yellow ink are auspicious; brilliant discussions flow melodiously.(Different nations, yet united in purpose, sharing the same direction; scholarship follows the path of the First King. Rejoicing in the complete fulfillment of blessings, we sing the song of the five virtues; I am ashamed that I, in boasting of my talent, lack the three essentials. We exchange gifts of ebony and white silk; the rules of integrity and red silk are found in the official documents. We freely write and refine our writing, truly gracefully; our mouths are as bright as flowers in our discussions, clearly exaggerating our achievements.) (Translated by Nguyen Minh Tuan) This poem, "Farewell to the Korean Envoy," by Le Quy Don was written when he bid farewell to the Korean envoys Hong Kai-hee, Zhao Ying-jin, and Li Hui-zhong in Yen Kinh (Beijing), China, in 1761. This is just one of many poems exchanged between the two sides, yet it evokes the deep affection of kindred spirits, the understanding, concern, and friendship between the two delegations representing Vietnam and Korea. This affection didn't develop overnight; it's rooted in long-standing cultural exchanges between the two countries. As early as 1597, the earliest meeting between Phung Khac Khoan, a Vietnamese envoy, and Li Tuy Quang, a Korean envoy, took place in a foreign land.
Kien Van Tieu LucRecords also state that Li Tuiguang wrote the preface for the poetry collection of Phung Cong (i.e., Phung Khac Khoan). Prior to that, in 1226, the event of Li Long Tuong, the second son of King Li Anh Tong, carrying ancestral artifacts and his followers across the sea to Ung Tan district, Goryeo, is often mentioned as the beginning of Vietnam-Korea relations in history. The Vietnam-Korea relationship has deep roots, and especially in recent years, with increasingly expanding economic cooperation, cultural exchange between Vietnam and Korea has had even more opportunities to develop. The need to understand each other's cultures, especially to understand and appreciate the deeper layers of culture—ideas, values, and lifestyles—has become more necessary than ever. Authors Kim Seong Beom, Kim Sang Ho, and Dao Vu Vu compiled this book.
Introduction to the History of Korean ThoughtIt contributes to meeting that practical need, serving as a valuable bridge for Vietnamese people to understand and share about the history, culture, and people of Korea in general, as well as the thoughts, feelings, and ways of thinking of Koreans in particular.
Introduction to the History of Korean ThoughtThis is a meticulously researched document that addresses Korean thought throughout its history, from prehistoric times to its contact with modern thought. It examines ideas derived from the tools of production from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age, from the content expressed in myths and folk tales, and especially from intellectual movements originating from outside, etc. The authors paint a comprehensive picture of Korean thought from its beginnings to the end of traditional thought. Key ideas are analyzed quite thoroughly and in considerable depth. To provide a clearer understanding of these ideas, the authors have devoted considerable effort to describing the historical context and era in detail. The historical elements selected are relatively valuable and typical; therefore, they help readers easily understand the content and rationale of Korean thought. This book provides readers with rich and systematic content on the two fundamental intellectual currents of Korea originating from the East (China): Buddhism and Confucianism. Through the authors' presentation, readers can see that the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism from China to Korea, although varying in each period and historical context, was an inevitable process, as intellectual exchange is a common phenomenon for neighboring countries with nearly equivalent levels of social development, such as Korea and China. The authors consciously clarify the unique characteristics and values of Korean thought, highlighting Korea's contributions to the intellectual system of the East Asian region. In both Buddhist and Confucian thought, the presentation of thinkers is not limited to their dissemination and application of existing ideas in classical works, but also highlights their new contributions and their value to the development of Eastern thought. This can be seen in writings about the monk Won-hyo (617-686), or introductions to the monk Ji-nul (1158-1210), etc. Monk Won-hyo not only wrote many works on Buddhism but also had a clear awareness of directing Buddhism towards the cause of "protecting the nation," towards the real life of the people. He not only understood the precepts but also bravely transcended them in his daily life. Zen master Ji-nul was not only the founder of Haidong Zen but also a person whose works have timeless value, such as the work "
True and straightforward teaching"This is a work that was not only famous in its time but also aroused interest in modern readers, prompting Taiwan to translate it into vernacular Chinese and Japan to translate it into Japanese. In the field of Confucianism, the authors consciously focus on presenting the characteristics of Korean Confucianism throughout history, highlighting debates on "the four virtues and seven emotions," "human heart and moral heart," "human nature and material nature," etc. The authors present the content of these debates clearly and specifically, with beginnings, developments, and conclusions, supported by reasoning and evidence. Through this, readers can perceive the unique nuances of Korean Confucianism in history. Overall, the authors have outlined the formation, development, and transformation of Korean thought throughout history, highlighting the characteristics of this school of thought, as well as its contribution to the development of Eastern thought. The book..."
Introduction to the History of Korean ThoughtIt is a valuable reference document for anyone wishing to learn about Korean thought, people, and society from its origins to the present day.
Hanoi, May 27, 2011
Institute of PhilosophyVietnam Academy of Social Sciences
