Korean Traditional Thoughts and Moral Education

Purpose: This study aims to explore the characteristics the Korean traditional thoughts and show some implications to improve the modern moral education in South Korea. Method: This study looked at books from the past that contained much of Korean traditional thoughts. Also, I referred to how Korean traditional thoughts were described in moral ethics textbooks. Results: Through this study, the following research results can be discovered. First, contents necessary for moral education can be found in Korean traditional thoughts. Second, the idea of piety for heaven 敬天思想, the spirit of harmony 調和精神, Craftsmanship, the idea of respect for the elderly and filial piety 敬老孝親思想, the spirit of “Seonbi” 선비精神 give many implications to current South Korea. Third, there are many contents in Korean traditional thoughts that are distinct from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Conclusion: In conclusion, the idea of piety for heaven, the spirit of harmony, Craftsmanship, the idea of respect for the elderly and filial piety, the spirit of “Seonbi” are currently having a great influence on South Korea. These ideas must continue to be passed on to future generations through moral education. Korean traditional thoughts was Koreanized 韓國化 and developed through interaction with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Therefore, our people's ideology cannot be explained solely by the influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The same goes for moral education. Moral education cannot be found only in Western and Eastern ethical ideas. Moral education must be found in Korean traditional thoughts, which has both Western and Eastern values. In addition, Korea's unique spirit of loving peace and caring for others is a task that needs to be further explored in the future.