This study examined the theory of the unification of three nations shown in South and North Korea's history textbooks with focus on middle and high school's textbooks. The theory of the unification of three nations has the following characteristics wh...
This study examined the theory of the unification of three nations shown in South and North Korea's history textbooks with focus on middle and high school's textbooks. The theory of the unification of three nations has the following characteristics when it is looked at middle school's 'History' and high school's 'Korean History' which were changed to an authorized system.
Firstly, the unification of three nations by the Shilla Dynasty is positively evaluated. The unification of three nations by the Shilla Dynasty is regarded as the first people's unification, and an independent repulse of the Dang Dynasty's ambition by it in the process of unification and a rapid development of the nation's politics, society and culture following the unification are positively evaluated.
Secondly, the limitation of the unification by the Shilla Dynasty is described. By dealing with the process of the unification using the Dang Dynasty's power and the limitation that it had to have a territory limited to a region south of the Daedong River, it shows a form of describing the significance and limitation together.
Thirdly, Bearing in mind the existence of the Balhae Dynasty following the unification, the term 'Unified Shilla and Balhae Dynasty' and 'South and North States Period' are expressed in it. This is deemed to be 'South and north states theory' with focus on the Shilla Dynasty.
Fourthly, inquiry learning, historical data learning and discussion learning were beefed up more in 'History' and 'Korean History' than in the existing 'National History' textbook. The structure of textbooks are undergoing a change in such a way that allows students to think about and criticize historical data and inquiry questions on the unification of three nations for themselves. The following are the characteristics North Korea's 'Chosun History' has:
Firstly, the unification of three nations by the Shilla Dynasty is denied completely. In describing the process of the unification of three nations by the Shilla Dynasty, the unification is described as an act of betraying the same people and the post-unification period is defined as 'the latter part of the Shilla Dynasty,' not as the unified Shilla.'
Secondly, it adopts 'the theory of south and north states' with focus on the Balhae Dynaty's history. It stresses the consciousness of succession of the Koguryeo by the Balhae Dynasty and deals with it with a lot of weight on it. This can be confirmed by the use of the term "the Balhae and the latter part of the Shilla Dynasty."
Thirdly, the unification by Koryeo is deemed to be the people's first unification. North Korea denies the unification of three nations by the Shilla Dynasty and the unification of the latter three nations by the Shilla Dynasty is described as the first unification. It can be seen from this that the description is based on the view of history with an emphasis on the consciousness of succession from Koguryeo to the Balhae Dynasty and to Koryeo.
The comparison, analysis and study of South and North Korea's textbooks should be made in a more specific manner to seek ways to resolve the difference in the consciousness and use of terms in textbooks like this.