A Study on Baekha Kim Dae-rak's World of Consciousness Revealed in Baekhailgi

This study aimed to examine Baekha Kim Dae-rak’s reality perceptions of and world of consciousness through “Baekhailgi(白下日記)”. He was an Innovation Yurim(革新儒林) from Andong, Gyeongbuk who lived through the turbulent times around the 20th century and experienced a change in ideology. The fact that Kim Dae-rak gave his house to the Hyeopdong School(協東學校) building, which he had vehemently opposed, is an example that clearly shows his ideological change. After Japan took away Korea's sovereignty, in January 1911, at the age of 67, Kim Dae-rak immigrated to Manchuria with his family. He also continued to support the establishment of educational institutions in Manchuria. In May 1911, Shinheung School opened, and in June 1912, Shinheung Middle School opened. These were important educational institutions that later became the predecessors of the Shinheung Military Academy(新興武官學校) and became strongholds for the independence movement in the early days of immigration. Kim Dae-rak participated in the establishment of two schools and contributed greatly to laying the foundation for education. Kim Dae-rak expressed his will to overcome reality and his hope to achieve liberation through his “Baekhailgi”. In order to overcome the crisis and achieve liberation, he constantly emphasized the study of the next generation. He urged the students to diligently study and become leading figures in the independence movement. He also mentioned the issue of women's education and urged his granddaughter to focus on her studies. In this way, he expressed the need for learning for the next generation, regardless of gender. Kim Dae-rak's “Baekhailgi” is a valuable resource that allows us to comprehensively examine his thoughts and consciousness as well as the lifestyle of Manchuria at the time. As we examine his life in Manchuria through the “Baekhailgi”, we can feel his earnest desire for liberation and confirm his awareness of enlightenment that constantly requested future generations to study it.