Silhak
Silhak, also known as Practical Learning or the School of Practical Matters, was a significant intellectual movement in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. It emerged in the 17th century and reached its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries. Silhak scholars criticized the dominant Neo-Confucianism of the time, which they felt had become too abstract and divorced from the practical realities of governing and improving society. They advocated for a return to the original spirit of Confucianism, emphasizing the importance of tangible results and real-world application.
The Silhak movement encompassed a wide range of intellectual pursuits. Scholars focused on fields such as agriculture,
The influence of Silhak was profound. It fostered a critical spirit and a desire for reform that