Englishmen were not the sole navigators who were attracted by the
unknown character of the land, and the surpassing dangers of the
waters, around the Island of Quelpart, where the Sea of Japan mingles
in tempestuous chaos with the Yellow Sea. Russian and French navigators
also worked their way through the dangerous shoals and quicksands,
along the tortuous and muddy rivers, into the harbours and through the
narrow straits which hold back these islands from the mainland. The
shores teem with the distinguished names of men of science and sons
of the high seas. Following the curl and twist of its configuration a
host of buried names are revealed, the last evidence of men who are
dead and forgotten. It is infinitely pathetic that even this one last
resting-place should be denied to their reputations. Lazareli, who shares
Broughton’s Bay; Unkoffsky, who foundered in the waters of the bay which
is described by his name; the ill-fated La Pérouse, who, in June 1787,
discovered in the Sea of Japan an island which now bears the name of
the astronomer—Dagelet. Durock, Pellisier, Schwartz, and the rest—what
echo do we find of them, their fates, and subsequent careers? Should not
their names at least bear witness to their pains and labours, to the
difficulties which they faced, to the small joy of something attempted,
something done, which was their sole consolation for many hours of
cheerless and empty vigil?
Korea is a land of exceptional beauty. The customs, the literature,
and the geographical nomenclature of the kingdom prove that the superb
and inspiring scenery of the peninsula is quite appreciated by the
people. In the same manner that the coast-line of Korea bears evidence
of the adventurous spirit of many western mariners, the names given to
the mountains and rivers of the country by the inhabitants themselves
reflect the simplicity, the crudity, and the superstition of their ideas
and beliefs. All mountains are personified in Korea. In the popular
belief, they are usually associated with dragons. Every village offers
sacrifices to the mountain-spirits. Shrines are erected by the wayside
and in the mountain passes that travellers may tender their offerings
to the spirits and secure their goodwill. The Koreans believe that the
mountains in some way exert a benign and protecting influence. The
capital of Korea possesses its guardian-mountain. Every town relies upon
some preserving power to maintain its existence. Graves, too, must have
their custodian peaks, or the family will not prosper, and the impression
prevails that people are born in accordance with the conformation of the
hills upon which the tombs of their ancestors are situated. Rough and
rugged contours make for warriors and militant males. Smooth surfaces
and gentle descents beget scholars; peaks of singular charm and position
are associated with beautiful women. Like the mountain-ranges, lakes and
pools, rivers and streams exercise geomantic powers, and they are the
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