韓末 西歐文物의 受容과 獨逸人 - P. G. von Moellendorff · Antoinette Sontag · Emma Kroebel -

Abstract

From the end of 19th century to early of 20th century, the Germans (P. G. von Moellendorff․Antoinette Sontag․Emma Kroebel) traces as culture forwarders in Korea had a significant impact from the introduction of Western culture like the architecture, dress and cuisine ranging to the whole society. They also strived to keep independence with the extreme assistance in various ways among other powers of the whole crowd like China, Russia, Japan and the State even though Moellendorff and Emma Kroebel did activities in Korea via China as well as Miss. Sontag's activities by the recommendation of Weber. In addition, their records was not only our self-portrait to see the those days' Korean society but also a very precious materials as valuable as it could inform Korea to the European Society. P. G. von Moellendorff was the man to implant ‘German software’ to institutional aspects (legal, political, diplomatic, economic) as Ko-jong's diplomatic advisor in the complex situation of East Asia surrounding Korea. Although his modern reform in Korea was frustrated by the different conflict of interest of surrounding Powers, his job to be done in most adverse conditions comparing to China and Japan should not be overlooked. His frustration was due to consequent lack of awareness against East Asia and the open door of Chosun rather than their lack of recognition ability. Miss. Sontag was an important women to introduce Western culture and tradition to be unfamiliar until then in the royal family of Chosun as a ceremonial representative. She also took some role in fleeing king Ko-jong to the Russian legation after Eulmi affairs, between affective statesman of the Jung-dong Club and diplomatic legation in Russia. Sontag Hotel was built in Seoul, Korea as the pioneer of the modern western-style hotel as being first and it was lovely used by foreign guests and western diplomats for the purpose of a very enjoyable resting place. Emma Kroebel on behalf of Miss. Sontag performed ceremonial role of the imperial faithfully before and after the conclusion of Eulsaneukyak about king Ko-jong's being deeply involved in attempts to exile to Qing-tao, China. A memoir to be left by her was a historical material to identify the image of Korea and several episodes that had happened deeply in the Empire from 1905 to 1906 as well as those days korean society situation. In addition, ‘German software’ that had affected to not only in Korea but also China, Japan and other East Asian countries has an important meaning against the philosophy, law, literature, etc., as well as an area of study to the formation of the modern state system. Today, why Germany and the Germans that is not somehow strange and awkward presence feel in close and familiar with South Korea and the Korean people located in far East Asia? It's already more than 100 years ago, memory and heritage left by the Germans make possible it to be in friend in the land of Korea.