Geographical review of Japan, Series B.
Online ISSN : 2185-1700
Print ISSN : 0289-6001
ISSN-L : 0289-6001
Central Places and Periodic Markets in the Southeastern Part of the Surrounding Area of Seoul
Hiroshi MORIKAWAJun-Yong SUNG
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1985 Volume 58 Issue 2 Pages 95-114

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Abstract

Studies of periodic markets have hitherto been discussed from locational and socio-cultural points of view concerning their bases of existence. Such discussions were focused on merchants and the organizing systems of periodic markets. However, since not only merchants of periodic markets but also the patrons are important for the existence and continuance of periodic markets, a study of patrons ought to be an alternative approach. Periodic markets in present day Korea are situated as central places of the lowest order and retain a part of their functions, so that they should be discussed as a part of the central place system in Korea.
In the previous research about central places and periodic markets in the surrounding area of Kongju, Chungcheongnam Do, it was considered that periodic markets were mainly supported by peasants inhabiting the surrounding areas because periodic markets have both the functions of purchasing and collecting.
In this survey area full-time and side-business peasants stay at periodic markets for a longer time in order to sell their agricultural products. Therefore, a close relationship between the periodic market and the peasant can be found in this area as well as in the previous survey area. As central places of lower order in Japan also retained the collecting functions of agricultural products until the Second World War, we should not say that the Korean periodic market is very unique.
The use of periodic markets has decreased substantially in the past ten years. However, central functions of low order remain in the settlements where periodic markets once stood. This fact indicates that a new system of central places is being formed.

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