The Social Landscape of Ssarijae: The Street of Joseon Merchants During the Japanese Occupation Period

Ssarijae is a hill in the city of Incheon that lies between Shinpo Market of Jung-gu district, and Baedari Market of Dong-gu district. Before the opening of the Gyeong’in Railway, anyone arriving at Incheon Port, whether people or goods, had to take this route to reach Seoul in the shortest distance. As the size of Incheon Port grew and foot traffic increased, Joseon merchants from all around the country including Gaekju(客主) gravitated toward Ssarijae, thereby enhancing their commercial influence. It was inevitable that Incheon ended up being a city with the largest percentage of Joseon merchants, compared to any other city in Joseon at the time.<br/> Much like how Jong’ro maintained Joseon merchants’ presence against Japanese commercial interests during the rule of Japan, and like how Bukchon village had Joseon residential communities formed around Jong’ro, Ssarijae became the center for Joseon commerce in Incheon. Joseon residential areas with numerous tile-roofed houses were built, which later connected with other Joseon residential areas, such as the vibrant Baedari Market.<br/> Rich in capital, Ssarijae also attracted workers from across the nation seeking employment opportunities in Incheon. Diverse individuals gathered, flooding the area with new cultures and ideologies, which also made it a significant hub for many socialists and national liberation activists. Accommodating people of various interests and different political orientations, Ssarijae maintained its identity as a place for the people of Joseon, occasionally fostering solidarity among its inhabitants.