Changes in the Perception of Mt. Baekdusan during the Late period of Joseon

Abstract

The erection of the Baekdusan Boundary Stone that demarcated the border between the two countries was not based on any clear exchange of opinions between the two sides as to where Baekdusan belonged. While the southern part of Baekdusan fell within Joseon’s sphere of activity, the northern side was occupied by Qing. Despite this reality, the issue of who possessed sovereignty over Baekdusan was never clearly resolved. In Joseon, Baekdusan was traditionally perceived as the source of Korea’s mountains and rivers and identified as an object of worship. The symbolic significance granted to the mountain was further strengthened following the erection of the Boundary Stone. Shortly thereafter, Joseon began to once again hold ritual ceremonies for the mountain, which was now identified as the point of origin of the royal family. A similar phenomenon also emerged in Qing. Thus, the two kingdoms undertook the process of heightening the symbolism attached to this disputed space in a similar manner. Joseon intellectuals’ interest in Baekdusan was expanded to include the desire to gain firsthand knowledge and investigate the famed mountain. The actual location of the Boundary Stone and the issue of the territorial jurisdiction over Baekdusan were largely ignored in favor of a new approach in which the boundary between the two kingdoms was perceived as being located at the top of Baekdusan. Moreover, in some cases, Baekdusan was perceived as falling entirely within Joseon’s territory. This perception was further strengthened after the modern era, and linked to the upgrading of Baekdusan’s status and the expansion of its symbolism.