It was a transition period from traditional sports to modern sports from the late Joseon Dynasty to the Japanese colonial period. With the introduction of Western sports after the Gabo Reform of 1894, the perception and role of sports change drastically. In general, western sports were accepted by intellectuals as a symbol of the enlightenment. Various perceptions existed according to the views on the theory of social evolution, harmony with other philosophy like Confucianism or Christianism, the purpose·the use·the class of sports. Gil-jun Yoo focused on the theory of social evolution, but dreamed of coexisting with the theory of 'Eastern ways and Western frames'. Chi-ho Yoon also insisted on strenuous efforts through physical education, but was instrumental in the use of the means of Japanese government rule. Park Eun-sik and Shin Chae-ho, through modern sports, strengthened their bodies and advanced toward militarism that protects the country, but they were divided into moderate and strong position. Woon-Hyung Yeo is the first person to start seeing sports as a purposeful perspective rather than an instrumental perspective, and has expanded the field of sports itself, such as popularization of sports and diplomacy through sports. Sport has been a mirror that reflects society along with art. Through this study, it can be confirmed that various viewpoints of intellectuals of the time are well revealed through the perception of sports.