This postcard, drawn from the Japanese colonial period in Korea, is a graphical representation of the National Tax survey conducted on October 1, 1925, with a focus on transportation statistics. It conveys the progressive expansion of the country’s transportation infrastructure over a span of fourteen years.
The railroad system saw considerable growth from 1911, with a modest 842 Li of track, to a substantial 1,773 Li by 1925. This expansion from approximately 262 miles (422 km) to 551 miles (887 km) illustrates the extensive efforts to enhance Korea’s rail connectivity during the colonial period.
Similarly, the road network expanded markedly. In 1911, roads stretched for 950 Li, and by 1925, they extended to 4,123 Li. This growth from around 295 miles (475 km) to an impressive 1,281 miles (2,062 km) demonstrates the colonial government’s focus on improving ground transportation to facilitate administrative control and economic exploitation.
The postcard itself, with its methodical presentation of data, gives a visual narrative of Korea’s transformation under Japanese rule. The statistics indicate not just the physical growth of transport routes but also signify the deepening impact of colonial policies on the Korean landscape.
The numbers on the card in hanja/kanji are:
Railroad:
Year / Distance
1911 842 Li (262 miles / 422 km)
1914 1,046 Li (325 miles / 523 km)
1921 1,397 Li (434 miles / 698 km)
1925 1,773 Li (551 miles / 887 km)
Road:
Year / Distance
1911 950 Li (295 miles / 475 km)
1914 2,390 Li (743 miles / 1,196 km)
1921 3,780 Li (1,174 miles / 1,889 km)
1925 4,123 Li (1,281 miles / 2,062 km)
