Introduction to Han Philosophy

Approximately Ten thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Korean people began to migrate to the east for the warm weather and bright sun. They crossed the Altai Mountains and settled in what today is Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula. It was there that the Korean people crafted a unique civilization based on the Han Philosophy. This Philosophy is purely of Korean origin and was nurtured and matured by the Korean people before relations with neighboring nations were established. The Han Philosophy is based on four distinct characteristics.

The first characteristic of Han means head or high position. Korean people look for leadership and guidance from the holders of these high position. They are the King or Head of State, the Father or Head of the Family, and the Teacher or Head of Classroom. They are regarded as the most important persons in the nation.

The second characteristic of Han means big or whole. Each person is considered a vital member of the community as a whole. Harmony within the community as a whole is very important in the pursuit of happiness for the individual and for the country.

The third characteristic of Han means brightness or optimism. Brightness in the Korean language implies peace, cleanliness and honesty in life. Korean people see the future as optimistic despite the hardships they have endured in the past.

The fourth and final characteristic of Han means higher learning. The Korean people place great value on education and culture. They strive for excellence in learning, whether it is in literature, scholastic studies or martial arts.

These four distinct characteristics of Han Philosophy permeated into every facet of Korean society. It has been embedded in Korean culture, religion, economics, politics, and especially in the martial arts and still plays a significant role in what constitutes the Korean identity.

Around the 1st century, B.C., the Korean people began to actively seek out contact with neighboring countries. The Han philosophy evolved as harmonious aspects of newly introduced ideas were incorporated into it.

Choi Chi-won, the preeminent Scholar and Warrior of the Silla Kingdom, wrote about the philosophy of Han on the Nan Nang Tomb. Master Choi said that the introduction of Confucianism in Korea reinforced Han values of respect to parents, teacher and King as well as loyalty to the country. The introduction of Taoism reinforced the Han philosophy of harmony with nature as well as other human beings. He also said that the introduction of Zen Buddhism reinforced love and mutual help among citizens of the society.

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