전북 서해안지역 아시아태평양전쟁유적의 현황과 활용 전망 - 고창, 군산 등지를 중심으로 -

Abstract

As one of the colonies during the period of the Asia-Pacific War, the entire Korean Peninsula became a military base for so-called ‘Gyeol-7 Operating Mission,’ and a lot of artificial caves, artillery encampments, and structures for defensive purposes. Particularly over islands in the southwest seashore, this operation was conducted. During the Japanese colonial period, however, Japan established a military stronghold in the Korean Peninsula in preparation for a deciding battle with the U.S. in its mainland. At that time, Japan built up fortresses, caves, batteries, and fortification bases for battles against the U.S. Army. b Now, the traces are forgotten among people and the remains are left neglected or damaged in the process of urban development in reality. This fact was reported first not by the academic circle but by a documentary expert who published a book about exploration records of Japanese army bases in the Korean Peninsula. Thereafter, a series of helpful reports were released by the Heritage Administration. Such caves around trekking courses around Songaksan Mountain of Jeju, army bases around Gunsan Oreum and Eoseungsaengak Parasite Cone, Altteureu Airfield, etc. that were established during the Japanese colonial period vividly show that the Korean Peninsula was a main army base of Japan in 1945. In the process that in May 2022, the Museum Team of Kunsan National University planned and prepared the 'Historic Trail of Miryong' in the campus, the team reported visibly observable 6 caves and one more cave whose entrance and location were verified by old aerial photographs, which drew keen attention of people. These are assumed to be military facilities of the Japanese army during the latter period of the Japanese colonial rule. These remains of the Pacific War and the Korean War are important historic sites which must be thoroughly examined through academic investigation. Various academic research projects are expected to be conducted. First of all, this study briefly introduces surveys and researches conducted over such regions as Jeju, Busan, Gwangju in Jeollanam-do, and Bupyeong in Incheon with the focus on the current condition and future utilization of Asia-Pacific War remains. In addition, this study includes the basic research on Pacific War remains over the west coast region of Jeollabuk-do. Particularly including Gochang and Gunsan, the current conditions of Pacific War remains in the west coast region of Jeollabuk-do such as Buan are examined. Future study subjects and possible applications are also suggested.