일본 환동해학 연구사

Abstract

This paper examines the current studies of Hwandonghae (The Rim of East Sea) in Japan in order to suggest how important and necessary such studies can be in Korea in the near future. A large proportion of Japanese scholarship on Hwandonghae focuses primarily on the aspects of 'cycle', 'symbiosis' and 'Donghae' (East Sea) in their studies. They point out that Hwandonghae exists in the cyclical natural environment in which the symbiotic relationships between humans and nature, and the potential harmony between countries in the zone can be realized. In doing so, they highlight Donghae itself and its role and importance. In line with the studies of Hwandonghae in Japan, I underscore the necessity and significance of the studies in Korea. As a country that shares Donghae with Japan, Russia and China, Korea should set up and develop its own studies of Hwandonghae. In exploring the following facts, I would reassert the significance of the studies in Korea. Firstly, Donghae with its geographical location functions as a belt that ties up Korea and her neighboring countries such as the Japanese Islands and Yeonhaeju (China and Russia). This is one reason why the studies of Hwandonghae should not be carried out by Japan only. Korean scholarship should join the studies systematically. Secondly, various voices and interests exist among the coastal countries, regions, and communities in relation to the use of Hwandonghae. It is necessary for Korean scholarship to explore an enabling model with which to challenge hegemonic socio-political structures. If not so, Korea might not have a say in international community concerning Hwandonghae. Thirdly, natural resources abound in Hwandonghae and its coastal regions. But the geographical distribution of them is various. For example, forest resources are still rich in the coastal regions of Russia, but they are relatively poor in the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Islands. And lastly, Hwandonghae has the potential to inspire various discourses in the areas such as culture, history, people, natural environment, archaeology, etc. Considering the geopolitical circumstances of Korea, Korean scholars could include 'Seohae' and 'Namhae' in their studies of Hwandonghae and explore living foundation, communication and exchange, and the future of mankind in an integrated way.