• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.17-26
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• 2003

A hierarchy is defined as a system wherein its parts are interconnected with one another and the lower levels are constrained by the higher levels to various degrees, depending on the time constraints of the behavior. We illustrate that the concept of hierarchy is identified in the Baekdoodaegan frame, and that the Korean national area was hierarchically divided into many watersheds in many old maps. The Baekdoodaegan and Jeongmack were consistent with the hierarchy of climatic as well as spatial variables. It is evident from an old map that the concept was coined as early as in 1402. A typical configuration of Korean landscape, which was developed in the arrangement of village and surrounding landscape elements situated in a watershed, may be associated with the hierarchical approach to land and culture. Although current practices based on the concept are meaningful, further diverse studies are needed to improve ideas.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.215-221
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• 2003

Ecological concepts were embedded in the old Korean maps and other documents. The concepts may represent ecological views which people had at the time. Through those ecological views, we propose that we can see a watershed concept in old Korean maps. We also discuss relevant records to understand the history of this concept. While many scholars have highlighted in the Baekdoodaegan frame only the pan of the mountain ranges, we are pointing out other perspectives. Our emphasis is that the concept is explicitly related to a watershed concept. An old Korean map shows that people at that time divided the Korean Peninsula into many watersheds, which was as early as 1402. We can even say that the idea is identified in a literal document written in the 12th century. It is hypothesized that a typical Korean landscape configuration was developed in the arrangement of village and surrounding landscape elements situated in a watershed. In addition, we suggest that the view had some negative effects on the current society. Even though the ideas of our ancestor are something to be praised, further study is needed to improve it in a wise manner.