Origin of the Korean territorial conscience showed by official geography book in the Joseon dynasty - Focus on Shinjeungdonggukyeojiseungram

This study analyzed the official geography books of the Joseon dynasty, focusing on Shinjeungdonggukyeojiseungram. It is to investigate the origin of Korean territorial conscience. Shinjeungdonggukyeojiseungram is an official geography book of the Joseon dynasty. It was compiled in the early 16th century. The Joseon dynasty introduced Neo-Confucianism in earnest from the reign of King Sejong in the 15th century. King Sejo, King Yejong, and King Seongjong established a Neo-Confucian order. It was done through brutal punishment and destruction of cultural heritage. Neo-Confucianism became the actual state religion of the Joseon dynasty from the reign of King Seongjong in the late 15th century. So, Shinjeungdonggukyeojiseungram was influenced by Neo-Confucianism. Neo-Confucianism included Sinocentrism, and the ruling class of the Joseon dynasty was possessed by Sinocentrism. They entrusted their legitimacy to the Chinese dynasties. Therefore, they have forgotten the perception of lost territories that are not likely to be recaptured. As a result, Korean territorial conscience was trapped inside the Korean peninsula. Some Koreans believe that the loss of their territorial conscience is due to Japanese colonialism in the 20th century. Indeed, there are some similarities between Sinocentrism and Japanese colonialism.