A Reflection on the Values of Unification and Unification Philosophies

Abstract

The unification of South and North Korea should resolve the internal problems within each country as well as the conflicts between them. In order to secure the support of the international community, however, the pursuit of unification should also address universal issues and implement a new model of development that surpasses the singular goal of peace on the Korean peninsula. From this perspective, the process of the unification of the Korean peninsula should pursue values that permit all human beings to be respected, establish harmonious relationships, and construct a sustainable society within nature. Accordingly, the discourse on unification must encompass a value-oriented philosophical discussion. This paper discusses the idea of hyanga seorwi (sic) (setting up a ritual altar toward oneself) in Donghak (Eastern Learning), which is marked by human sympathy and consideration for others as the basic spirits of Confucian proprieties in the realm of social understanding and Neo-Confucian moral norms in the understanding of nature.