한국사에서 ‘문화권’이란 무엇인가

Abstract

This article has been written in order to newly try study of regional history by dividing Korean historical culture as “Cultural area”. In traditional society, Korean historical culture had been developed in limited areas as build up living communities. Thus conditions of physical geography and socioeconomic backgrounds made each people’s lives different. In this process, historical culture areas of homogeneity could be created by mingling with living spaces, academic lines, zone of marriage networks and trading areas. The term “Cultural area” is conceptualized this historical culture spaces. Cultural area was formed by depending on conditions of physical geography in contrast with administrative district. Mostly cultural area was divided as “River cultural area”, “Mountain cultural area” and “Island cultural area”. Therefore, western part of Korea that has many livers was formed “Cultural area” around the rivers. On the other hand, eastern part of Korea that has many mountains was formed “Cultural area” around mountain and basin. Cultural area was existed as a historical being that had an each different aspect. Tamla (Jeju Island) cultural area that mixed farming culture and marine culture had been keeps its peculiarity and originality in 1,500 years. Kyungju cultural area was developed by Silla's history of 1,000 years. Andong cultural area that formed by Yi Hwang's academic line was inherited for 500 years. These “Cultural area” could have distinct characteristics and identities through such a process. Korea cultural area divided 20～30 cultural areas by historical culture sections. These cultural areas formed the basis of developing Korean historical culture. Investigation and restoration of cultural area's characteristics is positively necessary for opening a new prospect of Korean history studies that was biased towards central history.