실학파
실학파, or the "Practical Learning School," emerged in Korea during the late Joseon Dynasty. This intellectual movement emphasized practical knowledge and real-world applications over traditional Confucian ideals. Scholars sought to address social and economic issues by studying agriculture, commerce, and technology, aiming to improve the lives of ordinary people.
Key figures of the 실학파 include Jeong Yak-yong and Park Ji-won, who advocated for reforms in governance and education. Their works contributed to a shift in Korean thought, promoting a more empirical approach to learning. This movement laid the groundwork for modernization in Korea, influencing later developments in the 19th and 20th centuries.