Wednesday, October 24, 2018

What does the shape of Korea look like on the old Korean map below?

The map below is an old map of Korea that is believed to have been made some time in either the 1700s or the early 1800s. Notice that the shape of Korea on the map is different from the shape of Korea on modern maps. The reason for that is not because Koreans have expanded their territory since the time of the old map but rather because Koreans at the time apparently lacked the expertise to more precisely map their country.

Some say that the shape of Korea on modern maps looks like that of a rabbit, but such a comparison offends many Koreans who fear it gives the impression Koreans are weak and helpless. Instead, many Koreans prefer to think that the shape of their country is more like that of a fierce tiger standing up on its hind legs. If you are curious to know how sensitive Koreans are about the subject, point to Korea on a map and tell a Korean that it looks like a rabbit. I suspect the Korean will likely try to convince you otherwise.

Anyway, trying to describe the shape of Korea by comparing it to something is not new for Koreans. Near the upper right-hand corner of the old map below the following is written:

()()()()(), ()()()西()()
The shape of the land (地形) is like () a person () standing (),
[and] seas (
) surround () the east (), west (西), and south ().



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