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Many castles of Okinawa served as a resident for governor, fortress to defend from enemy's attack, and holy area to pray to god.
『castle』is pronounced as『Jo』in Japanese, and when read by its meaning, it is 『siro』. However, in Okinawa, it is pronounced as 『Gusuku』. Scholars have not proved the origin of such pronunciation.
The secrets related to Gusuku can be solved easily through Hong Gil-Dong who moved from Joseon. When reading [Hong] in Japanese by the pronounciation, it is 『Go』 or 『Gu』.
『Suku』is Japanese pronounce of Korean word『sogul』, which means 『place of group residence』.
As the result, 『Gusuku』means 『the resident place of Hong Gil-Dong 's party or sogul』. It became a common noun over a long period.
There are so many examples similar to it.
Different from the resident place of governor, Gusuku, the place that common people lives is called『Chon』. In Gumejima, they write village as 『Ganjeol』 and pronounce as 『Masiz』or 『Masez』 etc.
It has similar pronounciation with Masil, that means 『Maeul(village)』in Korea.
Still now, in country village of Chungcheong Province, Jeolla province, and Gyeongsang Province, they use the word 'Masil'.
However, besides this analysis of etymology, there is also the aspect of cultural similarity.
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① Gawara Hong group resident place |
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② Beacon lighthouse of Haterumajima |
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① Gawara Hong group resident place is located in Baru, Hurusuto, Ishigahijima. Aged over a long period, the wall has broken down, but some parts were recovered recently by the corporative contribution of the Japanese government and autonomous organizations of Okinawa.
② Beacon lighthouse of Haterumajima that was built to observe the attack of the enemy. It is said to be built 500 years ago. |
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Culture Development Team,
Department of Culture and Tourism Tel. 82-61-390-7228 |
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