Donghak Uprising

By Choe Chong-dae

2014 marks the 120th anniversary of the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Accordingly, a variety of celebrations have been planned by the Commemoration Foundation of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, an association of family members of those who died during the uprising, as well as followers of the Chondo-gyo (Donghak religion).

Although the Donghak Revolution occurred in 1894, one century after the French Revolution, there are many similarities between the two historical events in terms of ideals such as liberty, fraternity, equality, justice and self-determination.

The Donghak Revolution happened when Korea was dominated by the extremely incompetent and venal monarchy of the Joseon Kingdom. This was combined with a real struggle against a diverse array of rival foreign powers, each battling for dominance over Korea.

At that time, peasant farmers were a socially disregarded group ruled by the aristocratic classes. Moreover, they were overtaxed and generally ill-treated by corrupt government officials. Protesting against these unjust social conditions and abuses of power by the upper echelons of nobles, aristocrats and government officials (particularly in the North Jeolla Province), Chon Bong-joon, a peasant and believer of Donghak, led a popular uprising in 1894 with other farmers and believers of the Donghak religion.

This protest to eradicate systemic corruption eventually erupted into a nationwide demonstration. Alarmed by the success of the uprisings, the Korean government requested Chinese intervention. The support from the Chinese also prompted the Japanese government to dispatch troops to Korea to help suppress the demonstrations. As China and Japan were vying for influence over Korea, the Donghak Revolution led to the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895).

The egalitarian spirit of the Donghak Revolution stemmed from the Donghak religion’s humanistic principles of equality, dignity and mutual respect for all people under heaven.

Founded in 1860 by Choe Che-u (pen name Su-un), Donghak or Eastern Learning, is Korea’s first and most influential indigenous religion. Its name was later changed to Chondo-gyo (Heavenly Way Religion). The basic doctrine of Donghak is that every human being is an embodiment of heaven and should be duly revered not only by others but that each individual also hold reverence for themselves.

Furthermore, Donghak teaching advocated universal equality, and elimination of all forms of discrimination, related to age, gender, education and other social issues. The Donghak Revolution provided social groups such as farmers, peasants and the oppressed poor with a sense of worth and dignity as they harbored deep resentment against the privileges of aristocracy and official corruption.

As a result, the Donghak Revolution was the earliest example of Korea’s righteous social reform movement and the promotion of justice which called for salvation and freedom of the oppressed and exploited lower classes. It is also credited as a driving force for the discounted masses against injustice, corruption and discrimination under the motto “all are equal, protecting nation from foreign influences and make the people secure”.

Despite its ultimate defeat, the Donghak Revolution is perceived as a great example of Koreans’ national struggle against feudalism and the ravages of foreign interference. Consequently, it inspired the March First Independence Movement in 1919, seeking a restoration of Korean sovereignty against Japanese colonial rule.

Since the Donghak Revolution, there have been many other popular democratic movements calling for justice, freedom, equality and political reform. Although their historical circumstances differ, the original roots of these movements can be traced to the egalitarianism of the Donghak revolution.

The revolution was a pivotal symbol of the patriotic and creative humanistic spirit in Korea and paved the way for our modern democratic society. It was the first reform movement here with significant mass support and grassroots organization and planted the seed of popular reform among Korean people.

Ultimately, it provided subsequent Korean generations with a belief in the value of independence, democracy and justice.

Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times and the president of Dae-kwang International Co., as well as a director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at dkic98@chol.com.