Rail Toward River: The Relationship Between Railroad and River Transportation in Korea During Japanese Rule

The aim of this research is to analyze and periodize the relationship between railroad and river transportation as one aspect of the transformation of the land transportation system in Korea. As a result, three phases can be observed: a first phase of equality and interdependence (1910s); a second phase, subordinating rivers to feeder lines under railroad's dominance; and a third phase when trucks and buses became a major means for local transportation in place of traditional shipping routes. River ports were among the main planned destinations during the first and second phases, but such plans were changed or withdrawn after the third phase. This relationship between river and rail illustrates one geopolitical factor relating to the development of Korea's rail transportation network.