Bak Jega facts for kids
| Bak Jega | |
Bak Jega (1790)
|
|
Quick facts for kids Korean name |
|
|---|---|
| Hangul |
박제가
|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Bak Jega |
| McCune–Reischauer | Pak Cheka |
| Art name | |
| Hangul |
초정
|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Chojeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ch'ojŏng |
Bak Jega (Hangul: 박제가; Hanja: 朴齊家) was an important scholar who lived from 1750 to 1805. He was part of a group of thinkers called the Practical Learning (Silhak) school during the late Joseon Dynasty in Korea. These scholars believed in finding practical ways to improve society. Bak Jega was a student of another famous Silhak scholar, Bak Jiwon.
Early Life and Ideas
Bak Jega was born in 1750. He became a student of Bak Jiwon, who was also a key figure in the Silhak movement. The Silhak scholars wanted to make real changes to help people and make the country stronger.
Bak Jega traveled to Qing China, which was the name for China at that time. While there, he learned a lot about their modern culture, new technologies, and how their economy worked. He saw how other countries were developing and wanted to bring those ideas back to Joseon.
After returning to Korea, Bak Jega worked in a special place called Jiphyeonjeon. This was a center where important scholars and scientists gathered. He worked there during the time of King Jeongjo, who was a king interested in new ideas.
His Big Ideas for Joseon
Bak Jega had a strong desire to make Joseon a rich and powerful country. At that time, the government mostly supported 'Yuhak', which was a traditional way of thinking based on old Confucian ideas. Bak Jega and other Silhak scholars had different views. They believed in using science and business to improve the country.
He wrote several books where he shared his ideas. He thought it was very important to make the trading system stronger. He also worked on improving farming methods and even made some farming tools better.
The Bukhak Theory
One of Bak Jega's most famous ideas was called the Bukhak theory, which he wrote about in his book Bukhakui. He believed Joseon should learn from the Qing Dynasty. He suggested using carts to improve local trade within the country. He also thought Joseon should build strong ships to trade with other countries.
Bak Jega said, "If we actively use Joseon's natural environment, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and develop it into sea trade, our country will become strong, and people's lives will be better." He also argued that the old social class system in Joseon should be changed. He believed that commerce (business) and industry (making things) were very important for the country's success.
Books He Wrote
Bak Jega wrote many important books that shared his ideas for improving Joseon.
- Bukhagui (북학의 北學議)
- Jeongyujip (정유집 貞否集)
- Myeongnongchogo (명농초고 明農草稿)
- Hangaekgeonyeonjip (한객건연집 韓客巾衍集)
- Sigo (시고 詩稿)
- Muyedobotongji
