The Journal of The Korean Association of Geographic and Environmental Education ISSN:1226-511X(Print) 2586-5641(Online) 한국지리환경교육학회지

This study examines the characteristics of the content structure and the awareness of the national territory in ‘Joseonjiji’, which was published as a Joseon geography textbook by the Hakbu in 1895. The main findings are as follows. First, there are approximately 9 versions of ‘Joseonjiji’, all of which are considered authentic. The textbook provides only the publishing institution and date as publication information and was issued as a single volume. It consists of 51 sheets written in mixed Chinese-Korean script and includes no visual materials such as maps. Second, the content structure comprises nine large regions and 23 smaller regions, corresponding to the radically reorganized 23 local administrative division. The 23 smaller regions were described with entries that particularly emphasized regional livelihoods and economic capacity (farmland, number of households, scenic sites, indigenous products, and notable figures). The composition and ordering of 5 items differed from traditional jiriji and aimed to promote an understanding of the country’s current state and to cultivate patriotism. Third, this textbook represents transitional characteristics between traditional jiriji and modern geography textbooks. Nevertheless, it can be evaluated as a textbook that responded to the demands of its time. Finally, ‘Joseonjiji’ holds significant value as a government-edited geographical work that contributed to students’ and the public’s awareness of national economic conditions and territorial consciousness by disclosing important geographic information that had traditionally been kept confidential.