Journal of the Korean Cartographic Association ISSN:1598-6160(Print) 한국지도학회지

This study analyzes the background and cartographic characteristics of the “Early nautical charts of the Korean Peninsula” produced by the Japanese Hydrographic Office in the late nineteenth century. The research scope covers 23 charts (30 sheets) created between 1875 and 1885. The findings reveal the establishment and transformation of Japan’s hydrographic institutions and confirm that Article 7 of the 1876 Treaty of Ganghwa and its Appendix 9 provided the legal basis for Japan’s coastal surveys of Korea. Notably, this study identifies that, even before the treaty, Japan had conducted unauthorized surveys and produced charts of Busan, Ungcheon Bay, Jemulpo, and the Yeomha area of Ganghwa Island. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that the early charts reflected military objectives such as naval operations and economic aims such as the exploration of open ports. It is also confirmed that the legend items prescribed in the “Japanese Naval Chart Signs and Abbreviations” were incorporated into the charts. By the 1880s, Japan had already moved beyond simple replication of Western charts and was producing nautical charts based on its own techniques, with the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula serving as one of the key survey targets.