강원도 인걸기의 구조와 기능

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the status and characteristics of Ingeolgi, with a specific focus on the Gangwon-do region. In the farming regions of the central and northern parts of the Korean Peninsula, the need for farming tools for sowing and weeding was essential. This need was met by tools such as Geolgichae(Huchi) and Ingeolgi. Notably, Ingeolgi served as a valuable farming tool, enabling farmers with challenging or cow-less farmland to engage in farming with minimal labor. However, it is important to acknowledge that Ingeolgi did not hold an equivalent position to Geolgichae. In terms of work efficiency and productivity, Ingeolgi could not compete with Geolgichae. Consequently, in regions where Geolgichae was prevalent, Ingeolgi played a marginal role. As a result, Ingeolgi may not have had the opportunity to fully demonstrate its importance. Nonetheless, it is crucial to establish Ingeolgi as a distinct farming tool for mid-plowing and weeding, clearly differentiated from plowing tools in terms of function and purpose. Today, Ingeolgi is experiencing a resurgence. With the introduction of agricultural machinery, the value of cattle has increased, and labor costs have risen, leading to the disappearance of traditional plows like Gyori-yeonjang and Geolgichae. However, Ingeolgi continues to assert its presence in various regions, serving multiple purposes beyond plowing, including intercropping and weeding. In many ways, Ingeolgi can be considered the last bastion of pride for Korean plows.