Interview mit Dr. James Lewis

The Economic History of Chosôn Korea 

Dr. James Lewis (University of Oxford) 

Wann? Mittwoch, 18.12.2013, 18-20Uhr
Wo? Koreanistik, Wilhelmstraße 133, Raum 30

Herr Dr. Lewis hat sich bereit erklärt, The Koins ein paar thematische und persönliche Fragen zu beantworten: 

1. Where are you from? (Country and City) 

Oxford, United Kingdom 

2. Could you give us a short introduction of your presentation topic? 

Title: ‘An Economic History of Chosŏn Korea’ The field of economic history has expanded immensely over the past fifteen years and great strides have been taken to gather quantifiable data on the Chosŏn period. The presentation addresses questions related to environmental, epidemiological, population, and agricultural histories and touches on political-economy to begin piecing together a macro system. Questions related to regions and economic sectors (royal household, government, farming sector, and merchants) introduce micro systems. Previous interpretive frameworks (Malthus, Monetarists, Marx, Polyani, and Involution) are critiqued. A case is made for using Adam Smith to interpret the period after the Imjin Waeran (1592-98). 

3. When and how did you get in contact with Korea? 

I first went to Korea in 1977 and have been studying it ever since. 

4. What kind of advantages do the intercultural contents of East Asian Studies have in comparison to majors focused on only one nation in Asia? 

It is impossible to understand countries in isolation. There is a cultural sphere we can call East Asia, and no part can be taken in isolation. If mutual influence is not relevant, then comparisons are. 

5. How do you manage to avoid the numerous occasions of committing social, political or cultural blunders when dealing with both Korea and Japan? 

I never commit blunders. I am perfect. Isn’t everyone? 

6. Did you see much of the country of Korea and if so, which region do you like best? 

I have never been to North Korea. In South Korea, I like the sunsets on Kanghwa Island, the fish in Pusan, and the villages of Cholla Province. 

7. Do you consume Korean entertainment like TV shows or music? 

No, but I enjoy Korean cinema. 

8. What is your favorite Korean dish? 

Toenjang chigye. 

9. What advice would you give us as future Korean experts? 

Visit China and Japan. 

10. What is the most essential aspect of your topic you would like us to remember? 

That the past is more complicated than the image you may obtain from the ideas of one or two intellectuals from the past. 

Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Lewis, wir danken Ihnen nochmal recht herzlich für Ihre Zeit und Mühe! 

Dear Dr. Lewis, thank you once again very much for your effort and time!