학범재 조익환의 시대 인식과 지역사회 활동- 근대전환기 강원도 강릉 지역 전통지식인의 일양상 -

초록

This study examines the perception of the times and local community transformation activities of Jo Ik-hwan (1862–1914), a representative traditional intellectual in Gangneung during the transition to the modern era, focusing on his diary records left immediately after the Japanese annexation of Korea. In Gangneung, where Confucian culture was strongly maintained, Jo demonstrated the qualities of a modern intellectual who practiced enlightenment ideas while maintaining his identity as a Confucian scholar. His activities can be summarized into three main aspects. First, he criticized the deceptive imperial grant (Eunsageum) policy of the Japanese Empire immediately after the annexation, maintaining the integrity of a traditional scholar (sadaebu), and showed a cool-headed reality perception by seeking the causes of national ruin in the delay of civilization and the ignorance of the populace, rather than merely deploring the tragedy of national humiliation. Second, he broke away from the conventional Sojunghwa (Little China) ideology to accept the global trend of world history, aiming for a gradual social change through modern education. In this process, he pursued an eclectic innovation that minimized backlash from the Confucian society by acknowledging the value of traditional etiquettes. Third, he contributed to the establishment and operation of modern schools in Gangneung by leading the foundation of Yeongju and Dongjin schools, spearheading the expansion of public common schools, and proposing the establishment of middle schools. In conclusion, Jo Ik-hwan faithfully performed his role as a mediator balancing between the Japanese government offices and the local Confucian scholars, taking contemporary state affairs (simu) as his historical mission at the boundary between the old and new systems. This study holds academic significance in that it expands the horizon of research on traditional intellectuals in the Gangwon region during the transitional period—which had previously been biased toward the Weijeongcheoksa (Defend Orthodoxy and Reject Heterodoxy) movement centered on Yoo In-seok in Chuncheon.

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