華夷一也: 朝鮮士大夫的燕行活動與近代朝鮮世界觀的形成

The book is divided into two volumes. The first volume analyzes the concept of "Yŏnhaeng" (燕行, a term referring to the journey to Beijing), using Hong Tae-yong (洪大容) as a case study to explore the intellectual journey of a Chosŏn scholar. It examines how his academic background and Yŏnhaeng activities to Beijing stimulated his understanding of Western knowledge, leading him to profound self-reflection. Through his encounters with Western missionaries and Beijing scholars, the book presents the impact of Yŏnhaeng activities on Chosŏn's scholarship and society.

The second volume focuses on the late 18th and early 19th centuries, investigating how Joseon literati, high-ranking officials, and interpreters, such as Mun Ch'un-deuk (文淳得), Yi Kyu-gyŏng (李圭景), Yu Hu-jo (柳厚祚), O Gyŏng-sŏk (吳慶錫), and Pyŏn Wŏn-gyu (卞元圭), engaged with other Western countries, including Macao, a hub for the transmission of Western knowledge, through their Yŏnhaeng activities. The book examines their various attempts to respond to the challenges posed by the new situation, reflecting that Joseon was not always behind the global currents. It also observes how Chosŏn people established their unique worldview through Yŏnhaeng activities.