• Journal of architectural history
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.119-136
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to examine the planning principles and historical meaning of Eupchi constructed during the Joseon Dynasty. I investigated the general character of Eupchi based on analyses of published materials from the Joseon Dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty, which started in 1392, set up Eupchi in a position to effectively govern the whole country. Eupchi was differentiated from the surrounding villages, and became the center of administration and education. Eupchi was established based on techniques taken from the capital. Following precedence in the capital, Eupchi was transformed with spaces for Confucian ceremonies. The cityscape of Eupchi was also differentiated from the surrounding villages. Such transformation of Eupchi represents the progress of urbanization. The developments found in Eupchi spread around Korea, and mark an important stage in the historical evolution of Korean urbanization. The Joseon Dynsasty used similar techniques from the capital to establish Eupchi. However, I found some differences between Eupchi and the capital. The Joseon Dynasty recognized that walls could protect not only the capital city bnt also the country from foreign enemies. Protective walls were required for a capital, but not for Eupchi. In addition, Eupchi did not have commercial institutions supported by the Dynasty. This further demonstrates that different planning principles were used at Eupchi.