Bak Jega

Park Je-ga (1750–1805) was a Silhak (Practical Learning) scholar of the late Joseon period and a leading figure of the Bukhak (Northern Learning) school, which urged Korea to actively adopt the advanced culture and technology of Qing China. In his book Bukhagui (Discourse on Northern Learning), he stressed the promotion of commerce and foreign trade, and argued that appropriate consumption, rather than strict frugality, actually stimulates production. This open and pragmatic view of the economy was unusual in the Joseon society of his time, and he pursued reform while serving in official posts such as magistrate of Yangpyeong.