Analysis of the Characteristics and Types of Place Names in the 19th-Century Korean Maps of Seoul, ‘GyeongjoObuDo’ and ‘HanseongbuJido’

This study analyzes the geographical names, rivers, and roads depicted in the 19th-century Korean maps of Seoul, 'GyeongjoObuDo(京兆五部圖)' and 'HanseongbuJido(漢城府地圖)' to understand the appearance of Seoul at that time, with a particular focus on the characteristics and types of geographical names. 'GyeongjoObuDo' was created in 1884 by George Foulk, an American diplomat, based on the 'GyeongjoObuDo' from ‘Daedongyeojido(大東輿地圖)’ . This map, used by a foreigner, contains a mixture of Korean and English names, with a total of 184 geographical names, and features color-coded representations for mountains, rivers, and roads. 'HanseongbuJido' , created in 1900 by the Yangji Office(量地衙門), includes numerous geographical names written in both Chinese characters and Korean, totaling 420 names. This map predominantly features facilities and uses unique Korean names, showcasing the originality and historical significance of the geographical names of that era. Both maps detail the major geographical names, transportation routes, and defense facilities of Seoul, reflecting the linguistic characteristics and regional features of the time. Through this study, it has been confirmed that these Korean maps are important historical sources that reflect the political, economic, and cultural context of 19th-century Seoul beyond mere geographical information. Therefore, there is a need for systematic research and analysis of these Korean maps to provide fundamental data for a deeper understanding of the social and cultural background of the time. Such research requires interpretation of the social, cultural, and worldview changes embedded in the content and representation of the maps.