Chapter 1: The Winds of Enlightenment Blow in Joseon

From Exploration to Invasion: Joseon's Encounter with the West
Treaty: A Gateway to a Wider World
People who have seen the world outside Joseon

Chapter 2: New Cultures Transform Everyday Life

Joseon opens and the table becomes abundant.
The noble class is a thing of the past, now the rich are the trend
Find joy in new attractions and sights

Chapter 3: Awakening to a New World

Newspapers, paper that captures the times
Modern Education: A Light that Opens a New Life
People who pioneered modern medicine

Chapter 4: Moving Toward the Future

What did the modern army protect?
Immigration of Koreans with hope

Stories from Joseon's Port Opening Period, written by current history teachers.

Shinmiyangyo, Byeonginyangyo, Ganghwa Island Treaty, Japan-Korea Annexation… … .
Joseon's modern history is stained with shameful and humiliating history.
Behind the royal family, who had lost their ability to make decisions and were extremely incompetent, and the court officials, who were busy pursuing their own interests rather than devoting their efforts to strengthening the country and caring for the people, there were people who were struggling to save the country from crisis.

《Exploring the Modern Life of Joseon People》 examines in detail the political issues that underpinned the modern era, while also focusing on various events that brought about major changes in the lives and livelihoods of the people of that era, such as the military, healthcare, and education.
In addition, by covering all aspects of life, including food and entertainment, it helps readers understand modern times in a more in-depth and three-dimensional way.
It is not only fun to read but also fun to look at, with its interesting episodes and rich illustrations.

The culture shock faced by people during the port opening period

As the Enlightenment began, Western civilization, which came in like a flood, completely changed the lives and perspectives of the Joseon people.
While some politicians were putting the country in danger by signing unequal treaties (〈Treaties, the Gateway to a Wider World〉), Joseon soldiers, who had been fighting helplessly with outdated weapons, were falling one by one before modern weapons (〈Modern Army: What Did It Protect?〉).

Some received modern education and became doctors or nurses, saving many lives (〈Modern Education, the Light that Opens a New Life〉, 〈People Who Pioneered Modern Medicine〉), while others moved forward into a bigger world with hope (〈Immigration of Koreans with Hope〉).

However, not everyone was willing to sacrifice their lives for their country or devote themselves to cherishing great ambitions.
They also found enjoyment in entertainment such as baseball and soccer, and spectacles such as action pictures (〈Finding Enjoyment in New Entertainment and Sights〉), and they also learned about the political situation both at home and abroad through the newly introduced newspapers (〈Newspapers, Paper Containing the Times〉).

In this way, modernity takes on countless different forms.
Although it was a painful and difficult time in a precarious situation like a lighthouse in the wind, it was also a time when I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity as I embraced new civilizations and embraced a world view much broader than before.
Thus, some people have emerged who are actively pioneering their own lives.

It seems that looking back on and sharing the lives of people in that era, which could be called a 'culture shock', would be very meaningful in many ways.
The experience of walking through that era and feeling the breath of those who lived in the modern era will be the starting point for realizing who I am today.