한말 고흥지역의 의병항쟁

Abstract

This study is about the Righteous Army (RA) based in Goheung, Jeonnam during the Great Han Empire. Former studies just shown that Lee Byeong-Chae from Bagil island, Goheung, was part of the RA at Min Yong-ho’s military coup in Gangwon-do, or briefly said that he was a staff of Heo Wi, a leader of 13 province coup in late 1907. Therefore, in this study, I carefully looked up more about when and what kind of activities the RA did in the Goheung area during the Great Han empire era. In the lunar month of Febuary of 1896, when a letter was delivered to Goheung from Gi U-man’s Jangseong RA, Goheung RA replied back with a supporting message, but it was later realized that not long before Jangseong RA was dismissed, Goheung RA has stopped struggling against Japan. After 1905, those against the Eulsajoyak(the protection treat 1905) appeared in various parts of the country and this was also the beginning of the RA influence in Goheung led by Taein RA on june,1906. By the end of year 1907, the group became more active and continued to grow by 1908. Thus, Goheung RA had accomplished great success from the end of 1908 to September 1909. Goheung RA group usually contained around 50 people at the time. Because of the size of that group, it was suitable for the field tactics. The Struggle of Goheung RA was led by Gang Hyeong-oh coup from Suncheon in 1908, and around 1909, RA coups which related to An Gyu-hong from Boseong led Goheung RA. There is some features of Goheung RA’s background characteristics. First, it is believed that the geographical reason of this area have impacted. Second, the area has relatively weak bond to the Nosa School, which followed Gi Jeong-jin who has a strong tendency of heterodoxy movement. Third, the Aftermath of the Donghak Peasant Revolution in 1894 blocked the spread of RA in Goheung area. Therefore, it is understood that neighboring areas, Suncheon and Boseong RA coups, used Goheung as temporary bases, evacuation sites or munitions supply sites. On the other hand, as can be seen from the activities of Lee Byeong-chae, participating actively in other local coups, even beyond the provinces is also an unique aspect of RA in Goheung area.