Historical Geography and Scenic Views of Yongyudo Island(龍流島) in Incheon(仁川) during the Joseon Dynasty

Abstract

Yongyudo Island(龍流島) in Incheon(仁川) is originally an island in Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon. Yongyudo Island was reclaimed land, merged with Yeongjongdo Island(永宗島) after Incheon International Airport was built. Still, during the Joseon Dynasty, it functioned as a significant island in the West Sea and was valued. Many historical records have been handed down, and the place's name remains so that you can guess the status of the past. Accordingly, this article examined records of historical characteristics and scenic spots based on the literature data of Yongyudo Island and shed light on the appearance of Yongyudo Island in the past. Yongyudo Island has been inhabited since the Goryeo Dynasty and was recognized as a significant island for the country. In particular, it is possible to move by land at low tide, so you can see the situation of sharing the history with the islands around Yeongjongdo Island. In the early Joseon Dynasty, a state-run ranch was established on Yongyudo Island. It can be seen that the Dun(屯) was installed on Yeongjongdo Island in the late Joseon Dynasty, and its function was increased, and it was referred to as Maseong(馬城) at the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Meanwhile, various records to look around Yongyudo Island are also confirmed. The people made salt their main business, and records of the natural environment are also confirmed. It helps to understand the appearance of the West Sea islands in the past. Yongyudo Island attracted attention for its unique scenery among various islands in the West Sea. It can be seen that Yongyudo Island was recorded as a representative island in a poem written in the West Sea area in the late Joseon Dynasty. Kim Jong-su(金鍾秀), Lee Yun-yeong(李胤永), and others went on a tour of Yongyudo Island in the 18th century. When They reached Yongyudo Island, they were fascinated by the scenery when they saw Yeogiam(女妓巖). Still, they failed to land due to heavy rain and returned to Wolmido Island(月尾島) to decorate the cultural history of the West Sea tour that will go down in history. Meanwhile, Choi Hyeon-gu(崔鉉九) sang the beauty of ｢The Eight Scenic Views of Yongyudo(龍游島八景)｣ as a poem. Today, it is the predecessor of the Eight Scenic Views of Yongyu and is an essential material for understanding the beautiful scenery of Yongyudo Island in the past.