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영어

This study aimed to remember and pay tribute to the scholarship and virtue of the late Kim, Yong-deok who left great achievements in research on history of the later Joseon society and history of thoughts. The study mainly discussed the history of Hyangchon society and the matters of village organization. Uin Kim, Yong-deok's research achievements include about 30 theses and 10 books on various themes including "Research on History of Thought of the Late Joseon Period,"(1997), "Research on Hyangcheong"(1978), Research on History of Korean System"(1983), "Research on Hyangyak of the Late Joseon Period"(1990) and " The New Exploration of Korean History"(1992). His research has sometimes caused lots of controversy because of his views as a precursor and lots of questions addressed in the research. His research as a whole focused on issues that failed to attract people's attention. Kim, Yong-deok's outstanding ability in research on history of Hyangchon society is well displayed through the followings: (1) the process of change in Hyangcheong, (2) differentiation between Hyangyak and Hyanggyu, (3) the definitions of Donggye (Sanghahapgye) and Juhyeon Hyangyak and (4) defining Chongye. Mr. Kim organized Hyangyak research team mainly composed of students doing PH.D. course at Chungang graduate school and invited relevant researchers every month. Through discussions with the researchers, he showed lots of interest in village community organization and living culture and, as a result, wrote 『Research on Hyangyak of the Late Joseon Era』(Mineumsa, 1990). However, as he revealed his willingness to perceive culture surrounding Korean history based on 'Cheongye,' his interest shifted from Hyangyak and Hyanggyu to Chongye, a village community organization when he became old. Noting that Chongye, an autonomous organization of traditional village played a crucial role in inheriting Korean culture, he emphasized that Chongye embodies the history of autonomous and cooperative community. In conclusion, Kim, Yong-deok's academic activities have led down to research on history of Hyangchon society. It is also noteworthy that the theses of his PH.D. students all pioneered research into history of Hyangchon society.