Uiryeong County: A Comprehensive History from the Bronze Age to Modernity
Uiryeong County possesses a rich historical tapestry that stretches from prehistoric settlements to the industrial foundations of modern Korea. Located in the South Gyeongsang province, the region has evolved through various administrative shifts, surviving wars and social upheavals while contributing significant figures to the nation's economic and military history.
Early History and the Three Kingdoms Period
While there is no confirmed presence of Neolithic artefacts, the region's antiquity is evidenced by Bronze Age artefacts, including tombstones. During the Three Kingdoms period, Uiryeong is believed to have been split between the domains of Aragaya (modern-day Haman County) and Bisabeol (modern-day Changnyeong County).
The region transitioned to the influence of the Kingdom of Silla in 555, following the installation of the Haju province in Changnyeong under King Jinheung. Originally known as Jangham prefecture, the area was renamed Uiryeong in 757 under King Gyeongdeok, serving as a subprefecture under Haman. Simultaneously, the Sinban region—known by various names such as Sinui prefecture, Juo township ("town of the red raven"), or Cheoncheon prefecture ("prefecture of the spring streams")—became the Uisang prefecture under the domain of Gangyang County (modern-day Hapcheon County).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Medieval Development and the Goryeo Dynasty
By 1018, during the Goryeo Dynasty, Uiryeong was integrated into the domain of Jinjumok. Administrative oversight increased in 1390 with the appointment of a Gammu, a high-ranking official. During this time, Uisang prefecture was renamed Sinbeon prefecture; although it was initially part of Hapju, it was merged into the Uiryeong prefecture domain in 1390.
Administrative roles shifted again in 1413 when the post of Gammu was abolished and replaced by a hyeongam (a local magistrate). Records from the reign of King Sejong provide a glimpse into the region's demographics: the Uiryeong region consisted of 504 houses with a population of 1,629, while the Sinbeon region had 555 houses and a population of 982.
Resistance and Modern Transitions
Uiryeong played a pivotal role during the Korean-Japanese war of 1592. It served as the center for a righteous army led by General Gwak Jae-u, who organized local resistance against the invading forces.
The late 19th century brought significant administrative restructuring. In 1895, the region became Uiryeong County as part of Jinjubu, and by 1896, it was incorporated into South Gyeongsang province.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The 20th Century: Colonialism, Conflict, and Industry
During the Japanese colonial era, the county was renamed Ginei and placed within the now-defunct Keishōnan Province. In 1914, further administrative changes occurred when Gungryumyeon of Hapcheon County was merged into Uiryeong, bringing the total to 13 myeons (townships).
The spirit of resistance continued on March 14, 1919, when a three-day protest erupted in Uiryeong myeon as part of the broader Korean independence movement. The region also produced global industrial impact; in 1938, Uiryeong resident Lee Byung-chull founded Samsung in the nearby city of Taikyu (now Daegu).
The latter half of the century was marked by tragedy. The region was devastated by Communist attacks during the Korean War in the 1950s. Later, on the evening of April 26, 1982, the region suffered the worst non-terrorist spree killing in history when policeman Woo Bum-kon carried out a shooting and bombing rampage across several villages, resulting in 56 deaths and approximately 35 injuries.
Key Facts
- Ancient Roots: Bronze Age tombstones confirm early habitation, though Neolithic evidence is absent.
- Silla Influence: Renamed Uiryeong in 757 under King Gyeongdeok.
- Military Significance: Center of General Gwak Jae-u's righteous army during the 1592 Korean-Japanese war.
- Industrial Legacy: Birthplace of Samsung founder Lee Byung-chull.
- Demographics: During King Sejong's reign, the combined population of Uiryeong and Sinbeon was 2,611.
| Period/Era | Key Designation/Event | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Silla (555 AD) | Haju Province | Installed under King Jinheung |
| Silla (757 AD) | Uiryeong | Renamed under King Gyeongdeok |
| Goryeo (1390) | Gammu Appointment | High official appointed to the region |
| Joseon (King Sejong) | Population Census | 1,059 total houses across two regions |
| Japanese Colonial Era | Ginei | Part of Keishōnan Province |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the region officially named Uiryeong?
The region was renamed Uiryeong in 757 during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of the Silla Kingdom.
Who was General Gwak Jae-u?
General Gwak Jae-u was the leader of a righteous army based in Uiryeong that rose up in reaction to the Korean-Japanese war of 1592.
What is the connection between Uiryeong and Samsung?
Lee Byung-chull, a resident of Uiryeong, founded the company Samsung in 1938 in the city of Taikyu (modern-day Daegu).
What happened during the independence movement in 1919?
On March 14, 1919, a protest broke out in Uiryeong myeon as part of the national independence movement, lasting for three days.
What was the Woo Bum-kon incident?
On April 26, 1982, policeman Woo Bum-kon conducted a shooting and bombing rampage through several villages in Uiryeong County, killing 56 people and wounding around 35 others.