• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.131-150
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• 2018

Many researchers and librarians in library and information science area in Korea and Japan claim that Japanese Hongdohoe Library is the first modern public library in Korea. The results of analysis of the study reveal that the claim should be reconsidered because of the following reasons. Firstly, Hongdohoe Library was established in Korea but was established by Japanese. Secondly, the library was established for Japanese in Busan and operated for a long time for the use of Japanese people in Busan. Thirdly, most of the collection of the library were revealed as Japanese materials. Fourthly, the Japanese Hongdohoe which established the library was the organization that supported Japanese militarism before and during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.1-24
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• 2023

The history of modern libraries in Korea is less than 150 years. Nevertheless, there are various issues about when the word library appeared, how it was transformed, and the name and overall appearance of the library opened by the Busanpo branch of the Nihon Kodo-kai during the enlightenment period. Therefore, this study analyzed and argued many issues. As a result, it was found that the word library appeared in poetry collections, tombstones, and diaries from the early Joseon dynasty. Although it was widely held that the library was first introduced by Yu Gil-jun's 「Seoyugyeonmun, 1895」, it appeared in Lee Hun-young's 「Iisajipryak」 and was also introduced in 「Hanseongsunbo, 1884」. And the first name given to the facility was Kodo library, which was opened by the Busanpo branch on October 10, 1901. Book club, reading club (library), Busan(Busan district) library, Kodo bookstore, Kodo-kai library, etc. which are described in many documents are all errors. The location of the library was a temporary house on a leased site in Seosanhajeong of Yongdusan mountain. And it is presumed that it has secured about one room and 1,000 Japanese and Western books, and provided fee-based services to Japanese residents. Although the Kodo library is not the first public library established by a Korean, it is undeniable that it was the first public library to exist in Korea. Therefore, when defining the character of the Kodo library, it is necessary to have a coolness and discernment beyond national emotions, historical conflicts, and ideological frames.