Surviving in the World: Homer Hulbert changed Korea’s education system forever
Welcome back to Surviving in the World (SIW), your newsletter written by students for those interested in global affairs. We always try to present select topics in global news in an easy-to-understand format.
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Today’s letter covers the Homer Hulbert’s progress towards changing the Korean education system.
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Brought to you by: Keonhee Ahn(’25), Editor-In-Chief.
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Word Count: 610/ Time: 5 minute read.
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The revolutionary shift in Korean education
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(Clockwise from top) Homer Bezaleel Hulbert (1863-1949). Hulbert (center) and Syngman Rhee (right), participating in the 1942 Korea Freedom Convention in Washington, D.C. “Salminpilji,” the first textbook published in Hangeul in 1889, means “Knowledge Required for All.” (Independence Hall of Korea)
Who is he?: Homer Bezaleel Hulbert, an American missionary, made a significant impact on the Korean education system just two years after his arrival in Korea.
Accomplishments: His innovative accomplishments were revolutionary and transformative, shaping Korea's modernization in various aspects.
One of Hulbert's most notable accomplishments was the creation of SaMinPilJi, a modern-style textbook that presented modern, western perspectives.
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This was the first time Koreans had access to a text that didn't solely rely on Chinese culture and ideologies. SaMinPilJi provided a new vision of the world for future generations of Korea, making it a crucial element in the development of the country's education system.
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Globalization of Korean music: Hulbert was not only interested in education but also the cultural aspects of Korea. He published Western-style music scores of the famous Korean folk song, 'Arirang,' which is included in the Korean school curriculum today.
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This was revolutionary, considering that 'Arirang' had been passed down through generations without a proper music score.
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Hulbert's efforts to modernize the methods of music notation were commendable.
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Raising international awareness of Korea: Moreover, Hulbert published an 800-page, two-volume book titled The History of Korea, which delved deep into the country's history, culture, literature, and arts.
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The book was available on an international level and disclosed the unlawful behaviors and treaties incited by Japanese efforts to take control of the Korean peninsula.
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Hulbert's connection with the Korean language 'Hangul' was intimate, having devoted his life to revitalizing the Korean culture and education system.
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He revealed the efforts required to create an entirely new language, highlighting King Sejong, who invented Hangul, as 'the most shining leader.'
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Hulbert Memorial Society's chairman, Kim Dong-jin, speaks at the Homer Hulbert tomb in Seoul, where former President Kim Dae-jung had the name inscribed in Korean in 1999. (Source: Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk)
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Glorification of Korea: Hulbert also valued Hangul's origin and characteristics, labeling the language as 'the finest alphabet in the world.'
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He introduced 'Korean inventions' to the world through various publications and even presented a thesis on the excellence of Hangul to the Smithsonian Institution in the United States.
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Hulbert actively objected to any insulting claims made against the Korean people, such as 'Joseon, a hermit country' and 'Korea, a dwarf empire.'
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He emphasized that Koreans were accepting foreign culture and prevented any false perspectives that portrayed them as an uncivilized and inferior race.
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The lesson: Without Hulbert's efforts to change Korea's education system, Korea's modernization would have been impossible. Hulbert's contributions to Korean culture, education, and history are often overlooked but undoubtedly invaluable.
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