뉴스레터

In Korea, the `Northern History' largely refers to the history comprising Manchuria and Mongolia. How has the research been on the area? The area has mainly been dealt within the framework of Korean history without being referred in Chinese history, as it had been regarded as the place of origin of Korea's ancient history. Chinese history has been tantamount to the Oriental history mainly consisting of royal history of `Han' people in central China area. Against this backdrop, the standard of politics, economy, society and culture has been based on the farming culture in the central region. So the history and culture of nations surrounding China has been described as ``primitive'' or ``uncivilized.'' I believe it is time to bring a change to such history perspective.

The Northern Area holds a significant meaning in Korean history. But the history in the region was initiated by Japan with a political purpose from 1930s. In order to achieve its political goal, Japan mobilized pro-government scholars like Matsu Ito (松井等) and Inaba Iwakichi (稻葉岩吉) who were dedicated to establishment of the so-called ``Manseon Sagwan'' (history viewpoint on Manchuria and Joseon). In response, Chinese scholars began to have further interests in the history of the three Northern provinces. As a matter of fact, the researches by the scholars of the two countries were politically tainted rather than motivated from purely academic reason.

So far, Korean scholars have had rare chances for even looking at historical materials, let alone research on the area. Despite the Liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, Korean scholars were engrossed in efforts to correct the history distorted by Japanese counterparts with focus on Korean history. Given this background, they could hardly pay attention to the history of neighboring nations and the northern area, closely related to use, as well.

Prompted by the so-called `Northern Project' starting in 2002, Korea and China have been focusing on the history of the northern area. Ranke said in a prologue of his Latin, German History that ``we have been expecting history may play the role of judging the past and leading the humankind to a right way in the future. This book is not intended to attempt such hollow eloquence. Rather, it seeks to dig into the real picture. Undoubtedly, it is the best principle to present the fact exactly as it is despite barriers and possibly undesirable aspects.'' We need to pursue facts based on Lanke's belief. And now we need to pay heed to how to carry out research on Northern History.

There needs to be a change in the belief that Korean history is supposed to be studied by only Korean scholars while Oriental history should be dealt with by only Oriental scholars. And we need to cast off the practice of dividing the subjects in accordance with the age difference - ancient, middle and modern. This is because history is interwoven and systemic subject and abovementioned approaches are outmoded at all.

For example, the discovery of a historical material may require assessment with regard to its authenticity and age. On the other hand, we may also need to grasp the contents of the material with certain analytical methods and regarding the possible difference from the existing theory. These tasks are not to be resolved by a person, probably requiring cooperation from experts in the areas of geography, linguistics and fork studies. A more scientific and logical study is needed beyond the difference of age and boundaries coupled with joint researches among relevant academic areas.

There has been a growing need to carry out researches of ancient and even dead languages as discovery of a single word can bring about grave consequences of a total change. For instance, it is very important to find out a trace of languages of ancient nations like Buyeo, Goguryeo, Yemaek, Okjeo, Georan, Silwi, Mongol, and Yeojin.

In fact, we have no single copy of maps of ancient nations in our history like Gojoseon, Buyeo, Goguryeo and Balhae. We need to compile geographic book and historical map of our own at an early date possible.

Though 30 years have passed, the situation has remained almost the same without a single map of Goguryeo and Balhae.

A long time ago, I met a renowned scholar (state-awarded) when I visited Ningsha (寧夏), who said, ``Why don't you recommend a student willing to learn Seoha language (of Seoha country in Ningsha area in 11th century). I will teach him and employ him as professor of this university.'' I attempted to recruit applicants upon returning home, but to no particular avail with the exception of a person who demanded guarantee even after returning to Korea as precondition attached. Support on the governmental basis seems inevitable to raise scholars in certain areas including history and linguistics.