This paper analyzes the regional characteristics of the embankment during the latter period of the Chosun dynasty. Using materials of irrigation work found in the Yeojidoseo in 330 counties nationwide during the 18th century was prepared.
The res ...
This paper analyzes the regional characteristics of the embankment during the latter period of the Chosun dynasty. Using materials of irrigation work found in the Yeojidoseo in 330 counties nationwide during the 18th century was prepared.
The results of this study are summarized below:
With regards to population size, those regions where provincial government offices (Gamyeong) were located, and where administrative and military centers, such as, the Bu, Daedohobu, Mok, Dohobu, were established, usually had large populations. In addition, large population centers were uncovered in counties and villages in northern areas such as the Pyungan, Hamgyeong, and Hwanghae provinces. In comparison, the population in southern areas, such as the Chungchong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang provinces was found to be much smaller. This discrepancy in population size can be attributed to the considerably larger size of the northern provinces than the southern ones.
However, different results were exhibited with regards to population density. The population density of those counties and villages located in plain areas and on islands near the coasts was found to be significantly higher. Moreover, the population in the southern provinces, an area which enjoys a favorable topography and natural conditions, as well as large-scale agricultural lands, was found to be quite dense. On the other hand, those regions where the topographic and geographic conditions were not as favorable exhibited lower population density ratios.
As the Chosun dynasty was an agricultural society, the various phases of population distribution that occurred can be directly linked to the distribution of agricultural lands. Using a statistical approach, this paper carried out an analysis of the correlation between population density and the density of agricultural land. It was uncovered that as the density of agricultural lands increased so did the population density. With regard to the types of agricultural lands found in the various regions of the country, the Gyeonggi, Gyeongsang, Jeolla, Chungchong, and Pyungan areas were found to have a high density of rice paddies, while the Gangwon, Hamgyeong, and Hwanghae areas exhibited a high density of fields used for agricultural purposes.