조선시대 울릉도 관리정책의 변화 - 수토제의 시행을 중심으로

Abstract

This article aims to understand suto (搜討), the search-and-control policy, as an alternative to installation of garrisons (設鎭; seoljin) and establishment of towns (置邑; chieup), and thus articulate that, before the establishment of Uldo-gun in 1900, Joseon employed it as a constant management policy for Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Since Ulleungdo had long een recognized as a strategic location that connected the Yeongdong region of Gangwon Province in Joseon with the San’in region of Japan through the sea route, Joseon examined the possibility of establishing a garrison or a town there over several times. However, it was never realized because of the geographical conditions and maritime environment, which left Ulleungdo as an “empty island” outside the local defense system along the coast of Samcheok. The Joseon Dynasty realized the necessity for more active policy for the management of Ulleungdo after having a conflict with Japan over the sovereignty of the island. In 1694, Jang Hansang, the the Garrison Commander of Samcheok, conducted an investigation of Ulleungdo, which led to the failure of the attempt to establish a garrison or a town there. Instead, Joseon chose to manage the island by launching regular search-and-control operations. The search-and-control policy on Ulleungdo was in effect for over 190 years until 1895. Between 1884 and 1895, the Assistant Surveillance Commissioner and Commissioner of Ulleungdo were appointed. The searchand- control policy ended when Ulleungdo became the administrative jurisdiction of Uldo-gun by the edict of King Gojong. The Garrison Commander of Samcheok held a concurrent position of Samcheokpo Cheomjeoljesa, a prefecture-level commander of Samcheokpo, which was the sole naval garrison in Gangwon Province. Thus, UIleungdo was incorporated into the maritime defense system of the Yeongdong region through this search-and-control system, and was under the influence of the central government.