Why Travel is a Good Form of Education

Family Travel as a Valuable Experiential Education

Unlike in the past, it has become common for parents and children to travel abroad together. Children gain various experiences through travel, while parents have the opportunity to impart their wisdom and life lessons to their children. Parents who value education often encourage their children to learn not only from books but also through direct experiences. This emphasis on experiential learning has been valued not only in modern times but also in the past, as evidenced by the lives of great historical figures.

Author of Records of the Grand Historian, Sima Qian Source: National Palace Museum

Sima Qian: Becoming a Great Historian Through Travel

Sima Qian (司馬遷) was a historian of the Han dynasty and the author of the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji). Without him, much of China's pre-Han history might have been lost. Encouraged by his father, Sima Qian spent 2–3 years traveling across the country in his youth. Coming from a long line of historians, his family emphasized the importance of travel as a way to observe, research, explore, and ask questions. These practices helped Sima Qian gather vivid and accurate information for his work. The Shiji is highly regarded because, unlike many other ancient histories, it is based on firsthand accounts and thorough investigations. Despite suffering a humiliating punishment under Emperor Wu of Han, Sima Qian completed his father Sima Tan’s unfinished work on the Shiji and is now celebrated as one of China’s greatest historians.

Joseon Scholar Bak Jega Source: Silhak Museum

Bak Jega: Envisioning Joseon’s Future Through Travels to Qing China

Bak Jega (朴齊家), a prominent late 18th-century scholar, sought to learn from Qing China’s advancements to strengthen Joseon Korea. Although he loved reading and had a deep passion for learning from a young age, his status as a secondary son (seo-eol) limited his career opportunities. After meeting his mentor Bak Jiwon (朴趾源), he developed an interest in the material culture and innovations flowing in from Qing China. Bak Jega traveled to Qing China four times, learning things he could not have discovered in books. He compiled his observations and insights into Bukhakui (北學議), a book advocating for the development of Joseon’s commerce to match Qing China’s advancements. Bukhakui reflects his vision for a more prosperous Joseon. Considering Korea’s current success as a hub of international trade, one cannot help but admire Bak Jega’s forward-thinking perspective.

 

Travel is often called a “book without words.” Sima Qian’s experiences traveling across China allowed him to complete the monumental Shiji. Bak Jega’s four visits to Qing China inspired him to write Bukhakui, which outlined a path for Joseon’s progress. Perhaps it is fair to say that,
if done properly, travel can be just as valuable a source of learning as books.

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