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영어

In this paper I examined several problems of the northern territory in the late Joseon dynasty after 1897, especially Korean perception of Tomun and Duman rivers, a theory of 'vacant lots' in the north of Abnok and Duman rivers, and resurgence of 'homeland awareness.' The cause and the essence of Korea's policy toward the Gando were also studied. The analysis led to the followings. The Joseon government tried to manage the northern district of the Duman river when Russia occupied Manchuria. It came not simply from Korean attachment to the territory, but from her policy of territorial expansion with the escalated national consciousness. It showed the adventurous spirit of the independent "Great Han Empire." But the policy failed in the face of the resistance of China, because it threatened to claim the territorial loss to her.