From the periphery to the centre: Protestantism and Korean identity in the north-west region

Abstract

In late 19th-century Korea, Protestantism was perceived as a symbol of western civilization and a messenger for western-style modernity. It was also accepted within the framework of a clash between civilizations, a confrontation of power against power. In such a context, traditional elements were seen as something to be discarded, while western-style modernity, including Protestantism, became the object of aspiration. As is well recognized, the ‘north-west region’ of Korea emerged as the cradle and most vibrant epicentre for the reception of Protestantism, outpacing other regions in terms of both rapid qualitative and quantitative growth within a short time frame. This raises the question: Why did Protestantism receive such an active and passionate welcome in the north-western region? As part of a case study, this article focuses on Pyeongan Province and explores how the encounter between the north-western region and Protestantism reshaped the pre-existing ‘identity’ of north-westerners. In essence, the reason why the people of the north-west region embraced Protestantism more actively compared to other regions was twofold: first, due to their long-standing aspiration to move towards the centre, which had persisted from the past, and, second, because the Protestantism introduced to this region had a mutual affinity with the north-western people. This can be considered as the factor that enabled the rise of north-western people in the early modern period.