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

This study aims to determine the characteristics and significance of a defense map of the Hamgyeong-do section, believed to be produced in the Late Chosun period, through a geo-bibliographical analysis. Gwanbangdo, which meticulously records geographical information related to national defense, serves as important material for researching Chosun’s military policy and strategy. This study analyzed the form and symbols of the map, geographical information, and annotations of the Min-Boo Lee collection’s Hamgyeong-do map section. Based on this analysis, it is presumed that the Hamgyeong-do map section was produced during the Late Chosun period. This presumption is based on several factors: the mention of the Qing Dynasty, the inscription of the Baekdu Mountain Boundary Marker, similarity to Jeong Sang-gi’s Donggukjido in terms of map-making technique and form, and the absence of the name Hongchung-do. It can be determined that the map was produced sometime between 1740 and 1778. This particular Gwanbangdo belonged to the series of first revisions of Donggukjido, and exhibits salient features centered on military defense. This study is significant as it analyzes a privately owned ancient map, previously overlooked in the existing research, and specifically explains the meaning of symbols and annotations appearing on the map. Nevertheless, this study was limited by its inability to precisely determine the map’s production year and its failure to analyze all geographical information on the map.