Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the purpose and method of reading by examining relevant research from various academic fields. According to the reading theory in the Cho-seon Dynasty, reading was classified as either a way of gaining fame, becoming a gentle man, or solving problems. However, this views have been largely replaced by the belief that reading serves two main purposes: self-discipline and practical usage in this study (Confucian perspectives have been excluded from this approach). The traditional reading method, known as sukookdok-jeongsa, influenced by Chu-tzu’s reading, emphasized a fluent reading and a deep reading. A fluent reading (sukookdok) method involved a reading aloud, memorizing, and a repeated reading for the literal decoding. After decoding, a deep reading (jeongsa) involved a reading while taking notes, a reading with reference and a repeated reading for the optimal comprehension. A fluent reading in the traditional reading theory is succeeded by ‘a reading for liberal arts’ and a deep reading is succeeded by ‘a reading for learning’. The sukookdok-jeongsa’s various reading methods are useful enough to apply to reading education in the school library. But ‘a reading for fun’ did not appear in the traditional reading theory.