This paper analyzed the development of the Northern territories during the early period of Chos?n and the changes which took place in the perception of territory during this process. As the process of these areas was undertaken at the behest of the ce...
This paper analyzed the development of the Northern territories during the early period of Chos?n and the changes which took place in the perception of territory during this process. As the process of these areas was undertaken at the behest of the central government, the development of these territories also exhibited political and military characteristics as well.
The collapse of the Yuan and subsequent rise of the Ming Dynasty in China had the effect of significantly altering the political situation in Northeast Asia. As a means of responding to these changes in the international environment, Chos?n attempted to forge its way into the Northern areas and develop new territories. This period also saw a major change take place within Chos?n itself. Many voices within Chos?n began to perceive the solution to social problems such as class warfare as lying in the expansion of Korean territory. As a result, the central government adopted a policy of developing the Northern provinces, with a special focus on securing the Yalu and Tumen River areas.
As the development of the Northern areas during early Chos?n was an issue that exhibited clear political overtones, Chos?n was forced to cultivate a perception of territory amongst its people. The first stage of the development of the Northern areas involved large-scale emigration and the development of agricultural zones, which was then followed by the establishment of effective political and military control over the area. Therefore, the political awareness of territory became stronger.
However, in order to establish permanent control over the Northern areas, the government needed to establish firmer roots. The central government believed that the notion of territory should not only refer to those spaces in which the residents dwelled, but should also be seen as a sphere in which culture could be shared, with this shared culture serving as the basis for the consolidation of a common identity. As a result, a cultural awareness of the notion of territory was established.