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Hongik Ingan as the Governance Principle of One Korea

Hongik Ingan (홍익인간|弘益人間)

  9. Peaceful reunification is the only way to stabilize Korean peninsula in the long run.  The reasons are:


  1. The most appropriate way to reach One Korea is spelled out in the “Daebok" (Bonanza) theory of Changmin Shinn.  Shinn is one of the speakers at this conference and participants could put questions directly to the author.
  5. This vision, presenting a picture of united One Korea, exists  in the principle of Hongik Ingan (홍익인간|弘益人間). 

This principle:

  1. is rooted in the founding legend of the very first Korean kingdom in 2333 BC.  It was documented most prominently in 1281 publication 삼국유사, but numerous references exist testifying that the teaching has served as the guiding doctrine both for the rulers in governance and general populace in ordinary lives through millennia. 
  3. is a concept readily acceptable to all Koreans of the north, south, and abroad.
  4. offers broad guidelines for both personal conduct and collective governance;
  5. places values broadly on human aspirations above the national, tribal, or other collective interest;
  6. accommodates the illustrative mottos of other Great traditions because the doctrine:
  1. harmonizes conflicting calls from the French Revolution: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
  2. is consistent with the leading spirit of American Independence Movement: all men are created equal and endowed with Rights for Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
  3. avoids Mahatma Gandhi’s 7 deadly social ills: Wealth Without Work - Pleasure Without Conscience - Knowledge Without Character - Commerce (Business) Without Morality (Ethics) - Science Without Humanity - Religion Without Sacrifice - Politics Without Principle.
  4. lives up to Abraham Lincoln’s notion of Government of the people, by the people, and for the people and his 2nd Inauguration call “with malice toward none and with charity for all.”



The above is a prepared presentation for the Global Peace Convention 2017. Changes in actual delivery may not be reflected.

Session 1 - Round Table discussion on Declaration for One Korea