Speaker: Hongkyung Kim. Professor, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies and Director of the Center for Korean Studies at SUNY Stony Brook

Moderator: Seong Uk Kim, Assistant Professor of Korean Religions and Culture, Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures, Columbia University

Korean philosophy is distinguished by its pursuit of universality through syncretic viewpoints. Within this tradition, Chosŏn Confucianism emerges as one of the prime examples, emphasizing moral and theoretical purity through its principle-oriented thinking. This talk explores the philosophical legacies of Yi Hwang and Jeong Yak-yong, prominent thinkers of the Chosŏn dynasty, who exemplified the enduring characteristics of Chosŏn Confucianism.

Beyond its historical context, the ideological aspect of this philosophical trend resonates deeply in Korean culture, transcending the boundaries of the dynasty to influence contemporary Korean society. By examining the historical and cultural factors that underlie this enduring philosophical trend, one can gain insight into its lasting impact on the Korean psyche. This talk will unravel the reasons behind the persistence of this profound philosophical tradition, which shapes the very fabric of Korean thought and identity.