<東遊記實>에 나타난 금강산의 지리정보와 표상

Abstract

Dongyugisil is a rich record of physical geography and anthropogeography of the Mt. Geumgang area. In regards to physical geography, the book contains information on the ecology, topography, and climate of the mountain, as well as the anthropogeographical information on the architecture, tourism, and prominent figures from the region. It describes the different varieties of flowers across the Mt. Geumgang area and their different flowering patterns, the topography of the mountain ranges and waterfalls, and the seasonal climate changes. The book also provides details on the annexes of major temples and travel itineraries and the information on prominent figures related to the sites. Mt. Geumgang, portrayed in Dongyugisil based on the compilation of such information, is an "attractive and wonderous tourist destination." While a faint image of the mountain as a sacred place could be found, the mountain's religious significance has decreased significantly compared to the past. The monks and temples at Mt. Geumgang, which had once represented the Buddhist world, have been reduced to an object and place for scholar tourists. The mountain deities, who once represented the spirit world, began to be called "cheosa," a term used to indicate a hermit scholar. Mt. Geumgang became a realistic and substantial site placed at the intersection of traveling scholars and the monks or peasants who assisted their trips. At the same time, the mountain became a fascinating place of unexplored terrains, beautiful architecture, and hermits with eccentric pasts that could be found in every nook and cranny. Hong Baek-chang, the author of Dongyugisil, could be likened to a guide with great intellectual curiosity. Hong Baek-chang's adventurous spirit and the ample travel tips he provides that spring up in numerous pages of the book, serve as excellent starting points for the readers who wish to meet the real and beautiful Mt. Geumgang.