천주교 성지에 가려진 내포지방 민중사

Abstract

Following the opening of its ports in 1876, the Joseon Dynasty officially granted religious freedom to Catholics, allowing Catholicism to be practiced without discrimination or persecution. Since this pivotal moment, Catholicism has emerged as a significant religion within Korean society. In recent years, there has been a focused effort within the Catholic Church to commemorate the sacrifices of early Catholics and to elevate these martyrs to sainthood. This initiative seeks to highlight the incidents of persecution faced by early Catholics and to canonize those who were martyred. However, this endeavor has also led to inevitable social conflicts. The Naepo region, located in the northwestern part of South Chungcheong Province, serves as a notable example of the tensions arising from the Catholic Church's sanctuary project. Historically, Naepo has been a region receptive to foreign cultures and ideas, functioning as an entry point for various religions, including Buddhism. Catholicism, which spread significantly after its introduction to the region, is no exception. As a result, numerous historical sites throughout Naepo have drawn the attention of the Catholic Church, which aims to consecrate these sites as holy places. From the Catholic perspective, these sites are envisioned as sanctuaries intended to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for religious freedom during the early days of Catholicism in the region. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these locations bear a broader historical significance, encompassing events and figures beyond the Catholic narrative. The challenge lies in addressing the social, cultural, and religious conflicts that arise from this project and in fostering coexistence and mutual prosperity. This paper aims to demonstrate that the historical sites in Naepo, which the Catholic Church seeks to sanctify, are not exclusively linked to Catholic history. Rather, they are spaces that have witnessed a diverse array of events and people. For instance, locations such as Hongju-eupseong, Haemi-eupseong, Hapdeok Cathedral, and Chungcheong Suyeongseong are not only significant in the context of Catholicism but also as sites where many were sacrificed during the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Unknown Righteous Army Soldier Movement, both of which occurred during a similar period. These examples underscore the complex and multilayered history of the Naepo region, a history that must be considered in any efforts to designate these sites as sanctuaries.