Fishery and salt-making industry in the first period of the Li dynasty are described as a link in a chain of studies of the development of aquatic products industry in Korea.
The investigation was made difficult by the lack of pertinent historical data. The first part of the present study is based on “Richo-jitsuroku.” “Seso-jitsuroku-chirishi” is the chief reference book for the latter part. “Togoku-yochi-shoron” is also referred to. It is hoped a somewhat concrete description of the subject is attained.
Taxes on fishing grounds and salt-pits had been one of the main resources of the country from olden times. Also, fishery and salt-manufacture were two important industries from the military standpoint. Thereupon, these industries were promoted most vigorously from generation to generation, although it came to pass that the government and the potentates started to own privately fishing grounds and salt-works, with the result that the nation's finance was thrown into disorder and the people suffered from heavy taxes and hard labor imposed on them.
Fishing method in the first period of the Li dynasty is represented by “Gyoryo, ” which means fishing in the fixed fishing grounds. Cod and Guchi were the fish caught.
Salt-manufacture was conducted along the entire coast of Korea. The salt-manufacturing method was chiefly that of the dobon (pit) mode. Much efforts were made to promote saltmaking industry, e. g., letting the navy take charge of saltmanufacture, or monopolizing of the industry by the state. Yet, among salters and the government officials concerned there were many who indulged in corrupt practices, and it became necessary for the government to issue frequently edicts prohibiting illegal traffic of salt.
There was little effect of these decrees, however, and with decreased revenue the financial condition of the state was eventually made precarious.
In those days, when currency economy was not yet firmly established, salt was supplied to the people in exchange for rice or cloth. From this practice many difficult problems were to arose in later times, and by these difficulties the development of currency economy was to a great extent prevented.
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