Korean and Japanese philosophy today

This article discusses Korean and Japanese philosophy both from the viewpoi nt of traditional perspective, as well as in the light of the notion of phi losophy, developed later in Europe. We discuss in particular the important Korean philosophers Yi I and Yi Hwang. The later because of the influence o f his philosophy of the Great Ultimate and the problem of ineffability in t he sphere of psychophysical awareness, this being a pivotal point in Asian philosophies. After introducing the beginnings of philosophy in Japan, we d iscuss the so-called spiritual intellectuals, postmodern philosophy and the theories of cultivation of mind-body in the philosophy of Yuasa Yasuo.