Distribution and Location of Joseon Shrines in Jeollanam-do During Japanese Colonial Period

Jeollanam-do Province was the only region nationwide during the Japanese colonial period that fulfilled the “One Town(面), One Shrine(神祠)” policy. Using the example of the Joseon shrine(神社 + 神明神祠) established in this area, I examined its distribution and location trends. As a result, first, the Joseon Shrine, built in Jeollanam-do Province during the Japanese colonial period, had a close relationship with railways, roads, and port transportation, but had little to do with water transportation. Second, the 11 shrines in the major cities of Jeollanam-do Province had an excellent visual appearance and excellent vantage point. In addition, the central axis of the city was the administrative center, the shrine(神社), and the railway station, around which the city expanded widely. Third, the class that played a leading role in the establishment of the Shinmyeong shrines(神明神祠) built in Jeollanam-do Province during the Japanese colonial period were those from the Korean myeonjang(面長, major of town). Through this, it can be said that in the case of Jeollanam-do, unlike the shrines, the Shinmyeong shrines expanded to the Korean residential areas where the Japanese society was not formed.