A Comparative Analysis of Aguk yeojido: A Map of Ussuriysky Krai, a Region Situated on the Border between Russia and Korea

Abstract

The "Aguk yeojido"(俄國輿地圖) is currently recognized as the earliest Korean attempt to portray the territories that Russia obtained through the signing of the Aigun and Tianjin Treaties with the Qing Empire in 1858, and the Beijing Treaty of 1860. The intent behind and authorship of this map continue to be subjects of debate; however, there is some consensus within the academic community regarding its time of creation. The map's content is quite intriguing, given that it not only illustrates a portion of the Russian Empire's Far Eastern territories but also provides insightful data regarding the population, and its livelihood of Koreans who migrated to the Russian Empire following the establishment of a shared border between Russia and Joseon. This paper provides a concise description of the "Aguk yeojido", and also undertake an analysis of its content through the lens of maps created in Russia within the same time period, and various historical documents. As a result of the analysis undertaken, I conclude "Aguk yeojido" possesses distinct topographic features, such as approximate placement of landscape elements and the positioning of settlements. However, it's noteworthy to recognize the relative accuracy when delineating the locations of military and industrial structures, along with roads and power lines. It is worth noting the incorporation of various decorative elements into the maps, despite not carrying any informational value. My analysis also unveils its certain textual features: the use of allegorical descriptions of relief, drawing from the Taoist practice of Feng shui(風水), recurring references to the number and locations of troops, the narration of various historical events, and the detailed accounts of technical innovations. Hence, the topographic and textual features of "Aguk yeojido" suggest that the map was intended more to display the military and industrial potential of Russian territories near Korea, rather than providing a meticulous geographical description.