동아시아의 고구마 전래자와 현창문화

Abstract

This article is focusing on the spread of sweet potatoes and honoring process in local area, particularly in Korea, China and Japan. The origin of sweet potato is thought to be in either Central America or South America. The first Europeans to taste sweet potatoes were members of Columbus's expedition. Later sweet potatoes were introduced to the Philippines, Malay Archipelago, and Vietnam by the European explorers. It was also introduced to Fujian province of China. Later sweet potatoes were transported from China to Okinawa, and cultivated widely in Japan. It was also introduced to Korea from the Japan. From these spread of sweet potatoes, there were first introducers in each of the country. For example, JinIk, LimHwaRan, JinJinYong in China, Noguni Soukan, Chikudon, Ishadowegada, Hateruma Dakayasu, Upuwujyasue, Bkisagokanikana, Sunagawapenchinumuya in Okinawa, Tanegashima Hisamoto, Maeda Riemon, William Adams in Japan, JoUeom in Korea. In many cases, the first introducers were enshrined in their country. LimHwaRan and JinJinYong were enshrined as a God in local area. Also, the Introducers were enshrined as a God in Okinawa. For example, Noguni Soukan was enshrined in Seji shrine. These introducers honoring processes were more marked in main land, and which established the Seorim Shrine, DeokGwang Shrine, Gonyang Shrine, Ido Shrine. However, these honoring processes were hardly found in Korea. Perhaps, it is lack of cultural background that enshrining and honoring a human as a God. If so, Korea has a difficult cultural environment to emerge a folksy hero.