First Korean 'Exile Gasi' from Japanese Colonial Era, 'Seohaengbyeolgok,' Revealed

The National Library of Korea has unveiled 'Seohaengbyeolgok,' the first Korean 'exile gasi' penned by scholar Gyeongjae Lee Geon-seung after he fled to Seogando following Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910. The manuscript, a 141-page work in Korean, was written in March 1911 and expresses the author's deep sorrow and fervent desire for national independence.

'Exile gasi' refers to writings by independence activists or their families during the Japanese colonial period, often detailing their hopes for independence and social engagement while in exile in places like Manchuria. 'Seohaengbyeolgok' is considered the earliest known work of this genre, written immediately after the loss of national sovereignty.

The poem begins with Lee's reflections on his decision to go into exile and his regret for not establishing educational institutions earlier for his students. As he journeys from Seoul to Sinuiju, he recounts his encounters with historical sites and expresses concerns about the influx of Western culture. The latter part of the poem describes his fear of Japanese rule and the hardships faced in a foreign land as he crosses the Yalu River into Manchuria. Upon arriving in Seogando, Lee conveys his complex emotions, caught between hope for national restoration and the harsh realities of his situation.

Lee Geon-seung, a scholar of the Ganghwa school of thought, had previously attempted suicide after the Eulsa Treaty and later founded Gye-ui School in Ganghwa Island to promote education for national salvation. The Ganghwa school, established by Jeong Je-du in 1709, counts Jeong In-bo among its later figures, who was a student of Lee. The National Library of Korea also received other materials from the Ganghwa school, including 'Chowondamro' and 'Dusi Yaksul,' which will be made available with explanations by September.

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This is a valuable historical document that clearly shows the internal struggles and external hardships a scholar had to endure in a dark era, allowing for a deep understanding of the national consciousness and self-reliance of patriotic martyrs at the time.