숯 제조 재현과정과 현재적 의미 탐구 - 제주지역의 곰숯 제조를 사례로

Abstract

The results of this study can be summarized as follows: First, gomsoot is a type of charcoal that was most commonly made in mountain villages of western Jeju Island up to the early 1960s. Gomsoot kiln is regarded as a relatively small-sized kiln that even women can set up easily. Second, the gomsoot-making process reenacted through setting up the gomsoot kiln is largely classified into a preparatory process and a charcoal-making process. The preparatory process is focused on preparing tools and materials (e.g. raw materials of charcoal, oats), selecting a kiln site and ground levelling, and transporting and securing the raw materials of charcoal, and the charcoal-making process is carried out in the order of stacking the raw materials of charcoal, setting up a gomsoot kiln, burning raw materials in the kiln, closing the opening of the kiln and establishing a smoke outlet mechanism, dismantling the kiln and taking out the charcoals. Third, the contemporary meaning of the reenactment of charcoal-making can be described from three perspectives. From a cultural and geographical perspective, the reenactment of charcoal-making can serve as a stepping stone to understanding the regional specific and uniqueness of Jeju Island culture through the reenactment of our ancestors’ lifestyles. Next, the regional materials utilized in the past economic activities and lifestyles of Jeju Island residents can be concretely secured through the restoration of charcoal-making processes by stages and in the process a better understanding of traditional Jeju society can be acquired. And, not only can we gain a greater understanding of the natural resources and material conditions existing among our ancestors on Jeju Island but we can also appreciate and respect the intelligence and wisdom they demonstrated in overcoming difficulties related to household economy through charcoal-making. These lessons can be instructive for future generations as well.