역사콘텐츠로서 ‘명량대첩축제’의 세계화 방안

Abstract

As its name clearly reveals,‘Myeongryang Great Victory Festival’focuses on “the great victory”Koreawon in 1597 in the narrow strait of Myeongryang and, accordingly, poses a hindrance to the efforts to give it global historical significance. In this study, an analysis of the various historical elements(war, hero, people and globalization) that formed the Battle of Myeongryang has revealed some prudent directions by which this problem could be overcome. Where ‘war’was concerned,Ifocused on the true nature of the miracleand nationalsalvation achieved through the actual naval battle, the psychological victory, and various folktales. In the following discussion about the element ‘hero’, unwavering confidence, thorough preparation, unity with hismen and peopleand the spirit of solidarity have been identified as factors behind the character of YiSun-sin, the hero of the Battle of Myeongryang. The importance of a volunteer naval force that consisted of common folks, which actively helped the governmental naval force led by YiSun-sin to turn impossible odds against into victory, is stressed as an example of‘people’. Regarding the efforts to make the festivala ‘globalevent’, a harmony between what is universal and can arouse sympathy from the international community and what is specific and can better represent the characteristics of Korean cultureand history is essential. War may be the most extreme case of human cruelty, but never the less, it provides us an opportunity to reflecton ourselves and learn the importance of peace. Looking back at the cruelty of humankind and pledging to protectpeace is the most important step towards the commemoration of a war or battle. I hope that ‘Myeongryang GreatVictory Festival’will both highlight the faces of war and peace, and develop itself into a cultural event highly regarded by the global community.