독도에 새겨진 ‘한국’, ‘한국령’ 암각문의 주권적 의미와 보존방안

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discuss the background and hosting on petroglyph related to territorial sovereignty carved on rocks in Dokdo, history, its sovereign implications and methods for conservation. The findings are summarized as below. First, the Korean government had taken a number of measures to protect this island amid Japan’s invasion to this island even after a series of colonization and independence. The study suggested that petroglyphs such as “Korea(韓國),” “Korean territory(韓國領)” and “Korean territory(韓國領/한국령)” carved on rocks in this land mark the end of declaring its territorial sovereignty over this island. Second, it has been generally acknowledged that petroglyphs, including Korean territory, were carved by the volunteer corps for defense Dokdo. However, it was found that it was mainly led by the government together with an expert (Han Jin-o). However, it should be noted that carving was probably implemented between May and August, 1954. Third, even institutions in charge of Dokdo such as Ulleung-gun and Gyeongsangbuk-do have not been thus far aware of petroglyphs such as “Korean territory.” As evidenced by this study, it is important to identify whereabouts and thoroughly manage three type petroglyphs in four areas representing territorial sovereignty. Fourth, it is assumed that the three petroglyphs such as “Korean territory(韓國領)” petroglyph carved in front of the Dokdo Security Guards, “Korea(韓國)” petroglyph carved on the rock on the way from the summit on the east island to the artillery unit ridge and “Korea(韓國)” petroglyph carved on the coastal rock across the Buchaebawi on the east island were carved on the rocks well resistant to erosions. The newly discovered “Korean territory(韓國領/한국령)” petroglyph is estimated to have undergone considerable erosions even when it was initially carved. Against this backdrop, it is necessary to manage selected petroglyphs based on the degree of erosion. Fifth, there has been no thorough review on the conservation of petroglyphs carved on the rocks in Dokdo. Thus, designating them as cultural assets is required given their implications and value representing territorial sovereignty. Afterwards, it is important to set up concrete methods for conservation.