호남지방 기독교 선교기지 형성과 확장에 관한 연구

Abstract

Abstract The Formation and Geographical Expansion of Mission Stations in Ho Nam Province Song Hyun-Sook This paper attempts to explain the formation and geographical expansion of Christian missions in Ho Nam Province. Ho Nam Province is located in the southwest of Korea, where mission stations functioned as cultural centers as well the centers of Christian evangelism. With their chapels, homes, dormitories, schools, dispensaries or hospitals, gardens, utility buildings, roads mission stations stood in stark contrast with immediate surroundings. They were outstanding among the cultural landscape of each town. Mission stations have also played an important role as a center of Christian expansion. Chunju, Kunsan, Mokpo, Kwangju, and Suncheon had mission stations. Mission stations were formed in two ways-they were established either by missionaries(Chunju, Kunsan, Mokpo, Kwangju) or by Korean Christians(Suncheon). Kunsan, Mokpo, and Suncheon were seaports and bases of advancing into inner cities and towns. Chunju and Kwangju became the core of interior regions. The geographical expansion was first made from Chunju to Naju, the central point of Youngsan river basin, and Kunsan, a port in the southwestern coast; then from Naju to Mokpo and surrounding islands. Later the geographical expansion from Mokpo reached Kwangju, center of Ho Nam Province, and from there to regions along the Sumjin river basin and villages of along the southeastern coast. Periodical markets and social networks such as friends and relatives helped these expansions.