• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.353-368
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• 2016

The importance of Gotjawal located in the mid-mountain area of Jeju Island has been emphasized in various aspects. This study aims to identify the value of Gotjawal as a life-cultural space. This will be illustrated by tracing the locals' previous pasturing activities and the management of village common pastures. Cheongsu Village Common Pasture and Jeoji Village Common Pasture in Cheongsu-Jeoji Gotjawal area, which are the study areas, have been actively used by local farmhouses since the establishment of the pastures in 1930's. In particular cattle were significant means for agriculture and transportation methods in 1960's and 1970's. The farmhouses were needed to breed cattle as one of the main economic means. Pasturing cattle on the village common pastures has developed a unique ranching culture. Furthermore, cooperative work of these farmhouses were performed. These include the establishment of ponds for water supply and the preparation of hay. Ranching facilities for pasturing were built on village common pastures and still remain in Gotjawal area. This has been used in the understanding of the locals' lives in the mid-mountain area of Jeju Island.