By Bernard Rowan
Many people know about Samsung, the Korean chaebol of technological renown, global success, and economic might that is "everywhere." Some people know Samsung is a major partner with Sungkyunkwan University, Asia's oldest institute of higher education. But too few people know about Sungkyunkwan's ginkgo trees. The ginkgos symbolize Korea's endurance and vitality.
My column concerns the nearly 500-year-old ginkgo trees, Natural Monument No. 59. We can find them in the beautiful complex of Confucian buildings also called Sungkyunkwan at the foot of the Seoul campus next to Daehangno. They crown this hallmark symbol of the university. They're also a symbol of Confucianism and of Korea as a civilization based on humane learning.
Confucius liked to sit by the ginkgos or sit on a platform made from their wood when he taught in Xing Tan Pavilion in his Chinese hometown. That place, the Temple of Qufu in Shandong, memorializes "apricot trees." Some experts contend the trees are ginkgos. One can find these sturdy trees in many Korean places. In particular, they adorn Confucian schools and buildings honoring the philosopher.
Confucianism has gotten a bad rap from many in the present-day period. Don't confuse conservative, patrimonial Joseon neo-Confucianism with the teachings of Confucius or Confucianism. One should separate the idea of humane treatment of all people based on cultivation of learning. It remains in Korean Confucian thinking outside Joseon stereotypes. Confucianism as a global philosophy also means more than Joseon neo-Confucianism. We shouldn't wax romantic about Confucianism. However, we don't understand Korean civilization unless we understand the importance of this living philosophy in its full potential.
Tracing the life of the ginkgos reflects the life of South Korea. With all its challenges, Korea stands among the world's powerful and advancing nations, economies, and societies! Some not insignificant part of its success relies on a Confucian cultural base, enduring practices, and cultivation of knowledge and respect for others as talismans of humanity. These trees remind me of Korea itself in this sense.
Yes, there are many other strands of thinking and living in Korea, including Buddhism, Christianity, democracy, and capitalism, just to name a few. But don't neglect Confucianism in its reality in Korea.
The ginkgo trees are wonderfully tall and encompassing of the space in front of Myeongnyundang, the old campus' lecture hall which you can see on the 1,000 won banknote. If they are old and show some effects of age, they reflect the people of Korea in their longevity and beauty.
Each year, memorial rites occur at Sungkyunkwan that celebrate Confucian learning and enlightenment for Korea and the world. They occur on or around his birthday (in late September) and on the anniversary of his passing (May). Many other buildings form the Sungkyunkwan complex, depicting the complexity and grandeur of this living philosophy.
The two trees are male, as Sungkyunkwan originally barred entry to women, even the trees. I hope someone thinks of planting female trees in this millennium, although people dislike the smell of the ginkgo fruit when it falls to the ground. The fruit has medicinal benefits though.
These trees make me think of Asan Ginkgo Tree Road. I've not visited in autumn. The online pictures are stunning. Ginkgo trees near Confucian places and on the streets of Seoul are cousins of the Sungkyunkwan trees. Preserve the beautiful places and spaces of ginkgos throughout Korea.
Standing tall and proud in Sungkyunkwan, amid one of the brightest and best districts of today's Seoul and a leading university, the two ginkgo trees reflect the hopes and accomplishments of the Korean people. They continue to live, to bring life and to provide shelter for reflection and learning in this and other places. And the Korean people continue to diffuse their knowledge, learning, skills, inventions, and accomplishments for the good of Korea, Asia and civilizations.
While Confucian ceremonies seem like mystical rituals designed for show, the effects of Confucian thinking in combination with Korea's many other value and idea streams show all around. They rise from Sungkyunkwan, ennobling Korea and the world. They benefit all lovers of learning and devotees to happiness in life.
Go and see the ginkgos of Sungkyunkwan and ponder the wonder they magnify!
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University. Reach him at browan10@yahoo.com.
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My column concerns the nearly 500-year-old ginkgo trees, Natural Monument No. 59. We can find them in the beautiful complex of Confucian buildings also called Sungkyunkwan at the foot of the Seoul campus next to Daehangno. They crown this hallmark symbol of the university. They're also a symbol of Confucianism and of Korea as a civilization based on humane learning.
Confucius liked to sit by the ginkgos or sit on a platform made from their wood when he taught in Xing Tan Pavilion in his Chinese hometown. That place, the Temple of Qufu in Shandong, memorializes "apricot trees." Some experts contend the trees are ginkgos. One can find these sturdy trees in many Korean places. In particular, they adorn Confucian schools and buildings honoring the philosopher.
Confucianism has gotten a bad rap from many in the present-day period. Don't confuse conservative, patrimonial Joseon neo-Confucianism with the teachings of Confucius or Confucianism. One should separate the idea of humane treatment of all people based on cultivation of learning. It remains in Korean Confucian thinking outside Joseon stereotypes. Confucianism as a global philosophy also means more than Joseon neo-Confucianism. We shouldn't wax romantic about Confucianism. However, we don't understand Korean civilization unless we understand the importance of this living philosophy in its full potential.
Tracing the life of the ginkgos reflects the life of South Korea. With all its challenges, Korea stands among the world's powerful and advancing nations, economies, and societies! Some not insignificant part of its success relies on a Confucian cultural base, enduring practices, and cultivation of knowledge and respect for others as talismans of humanity. These trees remind me of Korea itself in this sense.
Yes, there are many other strands of thinking and living in Korea, including Buddhism, Christianity, democracy, and capitalism, just to name a few. But don't neglect Confucianism in its reality in Korea.
The ginkgo trees are wonderfully tall and encompassing of the space in front of Myeongnyundang, the old campus' lecture hall which you can see on the 1,000 won banknote. If they are old and show some effects of age, they reflect the people of Korea in their longevity and beauty.
Each year, memorial rites occur at Sungkyunkwan that celebrate Confucian learning and enlightenment for Korea and the world. They occur on or around his birthday (in late September) and on the anniversary of his passing (May). Many other buildings form the Sungkyunkwan complex, depicting the complexity and grandeur of this living philosophy.
The two trees are male, as Sungkyunkwan originally barred entry to women, even the trees. I hope someone thinks of planting female trees in this millennium, although people dislike the smell of the ginkgo fruit when it falls to the ground. The fruit has medicinal benefits though.
These trees make me think of Asan Ginkgo Tree Road. I've not visited in autumn. The online pictures are stunning. Ginkgo trees near Confucian places and on the streets of Seoul are cousins of the Sungkyunkwan trees. Preserve the beautiful places and spaces of ginkgos throughout Korea.
Standing tall and proud in Sungkyunkwan, amid one of the brightest and best districts of today's Seoul and a leading university, the two ginkgo trees reflect the hopes and accomplishments of the Korean people. They continue to live, to bring life and to provide shelter for reflection and learning in this and other places. And the Korean people continue to diffuse their knowledge, learning, skills, inventions, and accomplishments for the good of Korea, Asia and civilizations.
While Confucian ceremonies seem like mystical rituals designed for show, the effects of Confucian thinking in combination with Korea's many other value and idea streams show all around. They rise from Sungkyunkwan, ennobling Korea and the world. They benefit all lovers of learning and devotees to happiness in life.
Go and see the ginkgos of Sungkyunkwan and ponder the wonder they magnify!
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University. Reach him at browan10@yahoo.com.
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