A Comparative Study of the Land Survey Projects between Taiwan and Joseon during Japanese colonial period - Focusing on the succession and differences between the two ‘projects’

This paper analyzes the continuity and differences between the land survey projects implemented in Taiwan and Korea during the Japanese colonial period. Both projects were carried out with the shared objectives of establishing modern land ownership systems, increasing land tax revenues, and achieving fiscal self-sufficiency in the colonies. The “Taiwan Land Survey Project,” conducted between 1898 and 1905, achieved increased land tax and an improved land management system by compensating holders of daejogwon (large tenancy rights). In contrast, the “Korea Land Survey Project,” implemented from 1910 to 1918, abolished toji-gwon (land rights) without compensation and secured a large amount of state-owned land, thereby creating a foundation for Japanese land acquisition. Both projects adopted the one parcel, one owner principle (ilji ilju juui), influenced by Japan’s land-tax reform experience and the French civil law. However, in Taiwan, daejogwon holders were socioeconomically influential, leading to compensated dispossession. In Korea, toji-gwon held lower social status and covered smaller areas, which led to uncompensated dispossession being enforced. This resulted in intensified land ownership disputes, infringements on farmers’ rights, and even contributed to the background of the March 1st Movement. In conclusion, while the two projects were implemented under similar structures, they differed in execution and outcomes, which influenced the colonial governance strategies and the local societal responses. This paper highlights both the consistency and regional particularities of Japanese colonial policy through a comparative analysis.