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The Road Network and Regional Networks in Mid-to-Late Silla

Soon-hong Kwon

한국항공대학교

Published: January 2024 · Vol. 33 · pp. 383-408
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the actual state of the main roads and the traces of inter-regional roads during the mid-to-late Silla period through historical records. Additionally, it aims to identify the provincial hubs, such as the administrative centers of Silla's nine provinces and the five secondary capitals, which served as terminal or intermediate points of the main roads during the same period. These hubs are analyzed as externally dependent “cities” rather than self-sufficient entities. Simultaneously, the study seeks to uncover the regional networks organized through inter-regional roads extending from these provincial hubs, which functioned as “centers.” By doing so, it intends to relativize the previous research trend that emphasized central authority's control over provinces and the deepening of centralization. Instead, it highlights the agency of the regions and captures an aspect of Silla society where a pluralistic network was established through its road system.
Keywords: 신라오소경5소경소경서원경5통오통교통로간선도로