The Relationship between Old Chosŏn and Qin and the Characteristics of Outer Liaodong Fortification of Qin

This study examines the relationship between Old Chosŏn(古朝鮮) and the Qin(秦), as well as the characteristics of outer Liaodong fortification of Qin(遼東外徼). After unifying the warring states in 221 BCE, the Qin began its external expansion in 215 BCE. The records of Qin's foreign expansion in the Yantielun (鹽鐵論), particularly in the Zhu Jin(誅秦) section, indicate the involvement of surrounding forces, including Old Chosŏn. This suggests that Qin’s invasion of Old Chosŏn occurred concurrently with its attacks on neighboring entities. The relationship between the two states, initiated by Qin's invasion and the establishment of outer Liaodong fortification of Qin, should be considered to have formed after 215 BCE. especially, the point in time for the relationship between Old Chosŏn and Qin is linked to the construction of the Great Wall by Meng Tian's(蒙恬), placing this around 213 BCE. The focus of Qin's external expansion was primarily on the northern and southern regions, with Old Chosŏn being a lower priority. In this context, Old Chosŏn lost certain regions but maintained its central power. The Records of Chosŏn Liezhuan of Shiji(史記), illustrates that Qin installed the outer Liaodong fortification of Qin in parts of Old Chosŏn territory. The relationship between the two countries is highlighted by the phrase “the gusai jiaowai manyi”(故塞徼外蠻夷) recorded in Yuelu Qin Jian(嶽麓秦簡), which refers to regions newly occupied by the Qin in the process of its expansion. These areas were unstable, with limited influence and the risk of rebellion. To manage the territories taken from Old Chosŏn, Qin established the outer Liaodong fortification in the gusai jiaowai manyi region. In other words, the relationship between Old Chosŏn and Qin was limited, with Qin exerting influence only over the specific regions it had seized from Old Chosŏn. According to both historical texts and bamboo materials, ‘fortification’(徼) referred to facilities for border defense and preventing the defection of citizens. During the process of Qin's unification of the Warring States and the construction of the Great Wall, population displacement occurred. Historical records indicate that some of these displaced individuals migrated toward the direction of Old Chosŏn. To manage the territories taken from Old Chosŏn and prevent the defection of citizens, Qin established the outer Liaodong fortification. Furthermore, the outer Liaodong fortification can be understood as a facility similar to the Shangxia Fortification of Qin(上下鄣), the place of exile for the Weiman(衛 滿). Weiman utilized the outer Liaodong fortification as a base to consolidate power by absorbing both Chinese exiles and the local population, eventually overthrowing King Jun (準) and establishing his rule.