The Formation of the Concept of Gong-ye in the Korean Modern Age

摘要

Although the English word 'craft' now translates as gong-ye in Korean, gong-ye did not correspond to 'craft' in the Korean 'modern age' (1876-1945). Introduced into Korea in the 1890s, gong-ye referred to the manufacturing industry, meant to enhance Korea's wealth and strength, and to export products meant to demonstrate Korea's ability to the West. Finally, it signified the embodiment of the status of fine arts and Korea's proud past. These concepts, formed in relationships between the Orient and the Occident, the old and new, and empire and colony, were constructed under the influence of Japan. However, while these concepts appeared in succession in Japan, they surged into Korea in a very short time, via retranslation, and without practical experience. The gap between manufacturing industry and craft reveals the formation and characteristics of modern Korean culture. Terminology is a social product of time. Therefore, modern terms such as gong-ye can be the key to interpreting Korea's modern and contemporary culture. The concept of gong-ye formed in the modern age constructed the fundamental basis of gong-ye today. Terminology in the Korean modern age was not the result of importing Western culture, but of translating Western ideas within a Korean context.