This article has noticed the aspect of Social Darwisnism penetrating the public by comparing and analyzing chiefly the newspaper, Tongnip Sinmun, and the Korean text book. It used comparative methodology which compares the recognition of Chosun by Westerns with that of Chosun by enlightenment intellectuals. Also it paid attention to the correlation of SocialDarwinism and Orientalism.
The views of western civilization and Social Darwinism spreaded through Tongnip Sinmun. Civilization project which Tongnip Sinmun insisted on was to westernize the life of “people”. Enlightenment project of enlightenment squad including intellectuals of enlightenment school spreaded and implemented through textbook. Textbook began to turn students into a people. It tried to discipline the body of students and adjust time rhythm. It considered ‘civilized masculinity’ crucially but it did femininity too in terms of childbirth and education. This had much to do with population management of a modern nation.
Enlightenment discourse based on Social Darwinism and textbook prevailed in everyday life such as manners, sanitation, an idea of time, hard working, exercise and sports. Enlighenment project included order and obedience to as well as devotion to one’s country.