식민지 지배와 공창 제도의 전개 = Japas`s Colonial Policy of State Regulated Prostitution in Korea

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This article examines the state-regulated prostitution system in colonial Korea introduced by the Japanese imperialism, particularly its process, characteristics and operation. Since the time of opening of Korea, YU-KAKU, the Japanese traditional brothel quarters, were set up in the Japanese concession. After this establishment, the Residency-General started regulations in managing and controlling of prostitution in Korea. The focuses of theses regulations were basically directed on medical examination of prostitutes for venereal diseases, and on coercive reformation of the traditional Korean customs in prostitution. These resulted in stronger commercialization of women as sexual objects. In 1916, the Governor-General established the state regulated prostitution system in Korea, by promulgating the uniform regulations for control of prostitutes and brothels. The primary purpose of the regulations was rather to control and govern the Korean people under the colonial rule than to maintain public morals, which would be endangered by the prevalence of prostitution. This policy resulted in increase of informal brothel owners, unlicensed prostitutes and illegal trafficking of women. Discrimination against Koreans and severe poverty made the situation of Korean women further deteriorated. The state-regulated prostitution system had made women sexual slaves, justified trafficking in women by prepayment, and the oppression of women became institutionalized in Korea.