There are not many Korean research results on location investigation of 9 Fortresses of the Northeast. After restoration of Korean national independence, although Korean Studies scholars had to renew the location, they recorded in Korean history textb ...
There are not many Korean research results on location investigation of 9 Fortresses of the Northeast. After restoration of Korean national independence, although Korean Studies scholars had to renew the location, they recorded in Korean history textbook that the location of 9 Fortresses of the Northeast(東北9城) was located in the Hamheung Plain(咸興平野) region, which was located by Japanese scholars. in a textbook recently published, it is written that the location of 9 Fortresses of the Northeas is not yet identified, It has conflicting claims with three theories ‘ the Hamheung Plain theory(咸興平野設)’, ‘Gilju south theory(吉州 以南說)’, ‘Duman River north theory(豆滿江 以北說)’
First, ‘Gilju south theory’ that emerged after the postmid-Joseon Dynasty, reflects medieval and feudal historical perspective of those days which needs critical acceptance in accordance with the reference. This claim was described by the perspective called ‘Orthodoxy(正統論)’ at that time. It was written under the stereotype of limiting historical domain from the ancient history to the history of the day. Gilju south theory started as a misunderstanding by Han Baek-gyeom(韓百謙), the founder of Korean historical and geographical studies the middle of the Joseon Dynasty, presuming that Seokchugugi(石樞舊基) and a stone pillar found in Hamgyeongnam-do Maullyeong(摩雲嶺) were stood as Seonchullyeong(先春嶺) Jeonggyebi(national boundary monument, 定界碑) by Yun Gwan(尹瓘). The headstone, mistakenly known as Seonchullyeong Jeonggyebi(先春嶺 定界碑) by Han Baek-gyeom was found out that it was Jinheungwang(眞興王) Sunsubi(monument of trip royal, 巡狩碑)[Maullyeongbi, 摩雲嶺碑] by Choe Nam-seon(崔南善) in 1929. However, Gilju south theory of 9 Fortresses of the Northeast, claimed by Han Baek-gyeom was followed by many scholars afterwards. This is the essence of Gilju south theory
Second, during Daeilhangjaenggi(period of struggle toward Japan, 對日抗爭期), Japanese government scholars ‘the Hamheung Plain theory’ claim was a created as a historical perspective for a purpose to turn the Korean Peninsula and Manju into permanent colonies. Therefore the claim was based on the colonial view of history(植民史觀) which should have been overcome critically after the Independence. However, it is very sad reality that the Japanese Empire’s creation, ‘Logic by the colonial view of history’ is still partially dominated in Korean history description.
Third, The theory, emerged from historical materials from the early days of the Joseon Dynasty is ‘Duman River north theory’. By examining the records thoroughly from Goryeosa(History of Goryeo, 高麗史)ㆍGoryeosajeoryo (importantly abridged History of Goryeo, 高麗史節要)ㆍJoseonwangjosillok(the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, 朝鮮王朝實錄)ㆍYongbieocheonga(Songs of flying dragons, 龍飛御天歌)ㆍSinjeungdonggugyeojiseungnam(newly Increased books for a great role model of Dongkuk geography, 新增東國輿地勝覽) and others, there would have been so many difficulties to have 9 Fortresses of the Northeast in (Duman River north region to be located, It is historically appropriate to claim that 9 Fortresses of the Northeast was more likely to be located in Duman River north region. Examining these written records in historical-geographical view, A definite conclusion can be drawn that 9 Fortresses of the Northeast was located in Duman River north region.
On the basis of GongheomjinㆍSeonchullyeong related records from 『Sejongsillok』 「Jiriji」 and 『Yongbieocheonga』 and 『Sinjeungdonggugyeojiseungnam』 and others, if one explore the site personally, it is clear that those records are based on materials acquired from field research. The results of doing the field exploration on the basis of streets and geographical names from written materials are that Gongheomjin is located in Obaesanseong(mountain fortress of Obae, 五排山城) north from Duman River and Seonchullyeong is located in Goryeoryeong(高麗嶺) thoroughout this site exploration, the location of Gongheomjin(公嶮鎭) and Seonchullyeong(先春嶺) can be figured out and it is confirmed cleary that 9 Fortresses of the Northeast was actually located in 700-lis(里) north from Duman River in accordance to the recorded materials.
By doing more in-depth study in 9 Fortresses of the Northeast, firm up th facticity of the recorded descriptions from 『Sejongsillok』 「Jiriji」 and 『Yongbieocheonga』 and 『Sinjeungdonggugyeojiseungnam』 , The fact that 9 Fortresses of the Northeast existed in Duman River north 700-lis(里) has to be recorded precisely in Korean history textbook .
After the reunification of North and South Korea, the boundary issue will be a very crucial problem with neighbour countries from now on. In our academic world, an important matter, that is related to the boundary issue, should be established scientifically and logically.