Research on Sports Activities Carried Out by Korean Student Organizations
　　　　in Japan During the Last Period (1876-1910) of Choson Dynasty

　　　　　　　　　　Hwan SON (University of Tsukuba)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Abstract

　　This papaer attempts to historically disclose the actual status of athletic activities car-
ried out by the organizations of Korean students studying in Japan. The results of this pa-
per are as follows:
　　1) The student organizations formed in the early period were forced to be dissolved due
to internal discords and the financial problems facing the Choson Dynasty: and, later,
separate individual student organizations were formed by areas, by government-financed
students and privately financed students, and by Japanese language training institutes.
However, Korean students launched an organization campaign to remedy such phenomenon
of having separate organizations and, finally, succeeded in integrating organizations into
a single body after undergoing a series of temporary unification.
　　2) The sports theory of the Korean student organization in Japan emphasized the neces-
sity of physical education as the means of seeking the wealth and military strength of the
nation, considering the external and internal situation during the initial and independence
period prior to the Japanese annexation of Korea. However, during the period of integra-
tion realized under the Japanese protective period, detailed contents of sports were pre-
sented as the sports were recognized as the basis of seeking recovery of national rights. Ma-
jor contents were the introduction to the physical education provided by the U. S. A. and the
construction of sports facilities.
　　3) The athletic activities carried out by the Korean student organizations in Japan did
not contain independent athletic activities in the initial period, and members participated
only in the athletic meetings held by Keiogijyuku. During the indepednence period, however,
activities of recreational nature, such as individual athletic meetings, picnics, and sea bath-
ing were carried out. It is considered that such activities were held to promote harmony and
unity among Korean students studying abroad and to inspire students with the national
consciousness.