Chuksan-ri

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Chuksan-ri 축산리
Village
Chuksan-ri Location in South Korea
Coordinates: 36°30′16″N 129°26′13″E / 36.50456°N 129.43695°E / 36.50456; 129.43695
Country	South Korea
Province	North Gyeongsang
County	Yeongdeok County
Township	Chuksan-myeon
Time zone	UTC+9 (Korea Standard Time)
Postal code	766-834

Chuksan-ri (Korean: 축산리) is a small coastal village located within rural Chuksan-myeon, a township in Yeongdeok County, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Positioned along the eastern seaboard of the Korean Peninsula, Chuksan-ri faces the Sea of Japan—also known locally as the East Sea.

Intertwined with the broader historical developments of the region, the area has been inhabited since ancient times. During the Goryeo period (918–1392), the region encompassing present-day Yeongdeok County, including Chuksan-ri, was part of strategic coastal defenses. Historical records indicate that Yeongdeok was among the locations connected by the Cheolli Jangseong, a series of fortifications constructed between 1033 and 1044 to protect against northern invasions. These fortifications underscore the area's importance in national defense during that period.^[1]

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region was notable for its resistance against foreign influence. One prominent figure from this era is General Shin Dol-seok (1878–1908). He led militia forces in guerrilla warfare against Japanese forces during the early 1900s, earning the nickname "Tiger of Mt. Taebaek" for his fierce resistance.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Chuksan-ri and its surroundings. While the village remained relatively untouched by industrial urbanization, it continued to rely on traditional industries such as fishing and agriculture. The development of transportation infrastructure, including the expansion of National Route 7, improved connectivity with other regions, facilitating economic and cultural exchanges.

Historically part of Nam-myeon in Yeonghaebu, the area was called Chuksan-ri or Chuksan-po due to its geography, which was said to resemble the shape of a cow. The earliest known record of the name "Chuksan" is found in the Yangchonjip, written by Yangchon Gwon Geun, who was exiled to Yeonghae during the late Goryeo Dynasty. The Sajesogam Bakgangjeon mentions a governmental title, "Chuksando Byeongseondo-Gwanryeong", which includes the place name.

The toponym "Chuksanpo" appears in the Gyeongsang-do Jiriji published in 1425 and in the Sejong Sillok Jiriji (King Sejong's Treatise on Geography), completed in 1454.

The name continues in modern usage. In 1914, under a nationwide administrative reorganization, Chuksan-dong, Yangjang-dong, parts of Chayu-dong, and natural communities such as Ibu-dong, Tongribu-dong, and Singi-dong were merged and renamed Chuksan-dong, then incorporated into Chuksan-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun. Subsequent subdivisions occurred in 1945, and the area was officially designated Chuksan-ri in 1988.

On October 1, 1950, during the Korean War, the U.S. Navy minesweeper USS Magpie (AMS-25) sank off the coast near Chuksan-ri after striking a naval mine. The incident occurred approximately two miles offshore. Twelve crew members were rescued by the nearby USS Merganser, while twenty-one, including the commanding officer, Lt. Warren R. Person, were lost at sea.^[2]

In 2008, officials from South Korea's Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) interviewed an elderly fisherman in Chuksan-ri. He reported that he and other villagers had recovered the body of an American sailor shortly after the sinking and had buried him near the village. On April 28, 2009, MAKRI personnel located the burial site and excavated human remains along with military artifacts. The remains were identified as those of Ensign Robert W. Langwell, one of the sailors lost in the USS Magpie sinking. His remains were repatriated to the United States and interred at Arlington National Cemetery on July 12, 2010.^[3][4]

Chuksan-ri is notable for its natural beauty and position within one of South Korea's lesser-known coastal zones. The area features forested hills, small rivers and streams that flow into the sea, and agricultural fields on relatively flat land near the shoreline. As part of Yeongdeok County, Chuksan-ri lies in a region historically associated with fishing and coastal trade, though it remains a quiet and sparsely populated settlement.^[5][6]

The village is situated between two neighboring communities: Sajin-ri to the south and Gyeongjeong-ri to the north.

Transportation to and from Chuksan-ri is facilitated by a network of regional roads that link the village with other parts of Yeongdeok County and neighboring Uljin County to the north. Though remote, the village is accessible by car and exemplifies traditional Korean rural life.^[7]

Chuksan-ri's economy is based primarily on fishing and agriculture. Its coastal location supports a small-scale fishing industry, with snow crab (daege) being a particularly important catch. Local fishermen contribute to the broader seafood trade, which supports regional events like the Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with crops cultivated in the surrounding inland valleys and hills.

The workforce largely consists of individuals engaged in traditional family-run fishing and farming operations. However, the village faces demographic challenges, including an aging population and youth migration to cities. Efforts to stimulate the local economy through tourism and the promotion of regional specialties are ongoing.^[8]

Chuksan-ri experiences a humid continental climate with strong oceanic influences. Winters are cold and relatively dry, while summers are warm, humid, and marked by heavy rainfall during the East Asian monsoon (June to August). The proximity to the Sea of Japan results in frequent coastal winds, occasional fog, and variable weather throughout the year. Typhoons may impact the area during late summer and early autumn.^[9]

Chuksan-ri is part of the Yeongdeok Blue Road, a scenic coastal walking trail popular with domestic tourists. The route features picturesque ocean views and access to natural landmarks. The village is home to the Jukdosan Observatory, a lighthouse offering elevated views of the coastline and open to visitors.^[10]

• Yeongdeok County
• USS Magpie (AMS-25)
• Korean War
• Robert W. Langwell

• Yeongdeok Blue Road (Visit Korea)