Q: Many university students usually reply, "The person who caused 5.16 the military coup is Chun Doo-hwan, and the independence activist who threw box lunch bomb is Ahn Jung-geun." The reality of historical recognition of university students has deteriorated very much. I want to know your overall opinion of the present condition.
A: More than half of elementary school students don’t know the significance of the March 1 Independence Movement. This lack of understanding in Korean history exists from elementary schools to high school entrance examinations. Parents who have sent their children to prestigious universities deal with this lack of historical knowledge as well. Although Korean history is compulsory in high school education, it is not included in college entrance examinations and therefore, detailed study is generally not done. However, the government is now enhancing regulations that proficiency in Korean history should be a prerequisite for obtaining employment in civil service and teaching positions.
Q: What is the importance of history education you might think?
A: History helps us to know ourselves. Who am I? What should I do? These are fundamental human questions. A knowledge of history can assist us in answering these questions, and this is especially important for young people. Along with a good knowledge of history, a love of country grows more and more. We are able to face reality through understanding history and culture, which is the ability to set the future direction. History helps us establish our values and identities. A decent grasp on our identities leads us to achieve a certain dignity. With this awareness and self-respect, we can compete in an age of unlimited competition.
Q: Recognition of the importance of history is recently being reduced. How can we raise the level of historical awareness among college students?
A: First, education should be enhanced. There is a need to strengthen the education of history from elementary school to high school. And also it must be included in the College Scholastic Ability Test. In addition, the correct and appropriate historical perspectives must be highlighted and emphasized at liberal arts universities nationwide. It is also a good way that we specify Korean history to a compulsory subject as if it had been enacted in the 1990s. In fact, there have been many universities to enforce this.
Q: Have a word you want to say to our Chungnam University students?
A: Since Chungnam National University was founded in 1952, it turned out a lot of graduates. They are active in many fields in all over country. I entered the school in 1973, too. There are many words to say to the students but, first I would like to say, "Don’t ever be satisfied with current circumstances." Confucian scholars of the Joseon era taught us to live with the thought that 'happiness lies in contentment'. However, this type of thinking will leave us behind. Life is a marathon. We must be more diligent than others and work a little harder than others. Secondly, I’d like to tell students to dream beautiful dreams. Dream as big as possible would be better, but please make an effort to find the things you want to do. Also, I think that it might be much better to contribute to society, not only for me.
By Park Jeong-yeon CP Reporter
pjy2616@cnu.ac.kr