Koreans have long preferred using the term uri (we or us) over na (I or me). In this regard, this preference can be perceived as one of the unique characteristics of the process through which Koreans establish relationships with others. Moreover, this perception is closely intertwined with the Confucian notion of communitarianism, and especially with Confucianism’s family-oriented ethics. Meanwhile, from a philosophical standpoint, this preference can be regarded as being closely related to the neo-Confucian School (朱子學)’s Li-Qi theory (理氣論, Principle and Material Force). Some have argued that while Koreans emphasize uri, they tend to not only avoid nae (my) but also to exclude those who they perceive as standing outside of this notion of uri. Nevertheless, the neo-Confucian School’s Li-Qi theory argues that not only has this notion of na always existed within a relationship, but that this na can be extended endlessly once this narrow fence of relationships is expanded. Certain scholars have advanced the belief that the notion of communities has by now all but collapsed. Furthermore, we now live in an era in which the notion of the blood tie-based family also finds itself coming under attack. This situation has led to calls for communities to be rebuilt. Koreans naturally feel more comfortable with the word uri than na. Here, it is important to note that the term uri does not include any desire to ensure the supremacy of na while excluding others. To this end, the Korean concept of uri can serve as a basis for the rebuilding of warm communities.
목차
Abstract INTRODUCTION: KOREANS AND URI CONFUCIAN ETHICS AND 'URI' THE NEO-CONFUCIAN THEORY OF LIAND QI(理氣論) AND 'URI' CONCULSION: ENCOUNTERS BASED ON 'URI' IN THE MODERN ERA REFERENCES
한국연구원은 1970년 5월 한국 민속의 각 분야에 걸친 자료의 수집과 학술적 연구를 목적으로 '한국민속연구소'로 출발하였다. 그 후 1973년 5월 연구 분야를 확대하며 민속뿐만 아니라 한국학 전반에 걸친 연구를 위해 '한국학연구소'로 개편하였고, 다시 1989년 3월 한국의 국제적 위상의 부상과 함께 한국학 연구의 중요성이 높아짐에 따라 '한국학연구원'으로 확대, 개편하였다. 한국학연구원은 한국학 전반에 걸친 연구를 통해 지역과 민족문화 발전에 기여하며 한국학의 세계화를 위해서 학술활동을 강화하고 나아가 내·외국인에 대한 한국문화 교육을 담당하고자 한다.