“1920-40 nyŏndae kumiin ŭi Manchu mit Kando insik-Owen Lattimore, Francis C. Jones, Yŏngmi sŏngyosa, kŭrigo Chŏngch’aek kwanyŏnja dŭl ŭl chungsimŭro”[Westerners’ Understanding of Manchuria and Chientao (Kando) during 1930-40s: Focus on Owen Lattimore, Francis C. Jones, Missionaries, and Post-War Policy Makers].

This study focuses on Westerners’ perception of Manchuria, particularly Chientao during the 1920s-40s, wherein ethnic Koreans were the majority resident group. Manchuria is currently composed of 3 Chinese northeast provinces, in which mostly Manchu and Mongolian ethnic groups resided, and had been restricted, up to the 1870s. Thus, this region has been fixed in terms of modern territorial boundaries, and related perception. However, there is scant research on this topic. Therefore, this study focused on Western intellectuals who had conducted field research since the 1920s, by focusing on scholars such as American, Owen Lattimore, British, Francis C. Jones, and several missionaries. Through this perspective, I want to explain how these Westerners understood this geographical area, distinct from China proper. They shared a common understanding that Manchuria had diverse ethnic groups, with unique geographical features. Also, they shared similar perspectives that Korean residents in Chientao had unique features. Through several field trips a consultation with assorted bibliography, Lattimore explained the evolution of Chinese history, as exchanges between China proper and Manchuria. Jones also traveled to Manchuria, and closely observed the transformation of Manchuria, since 1931. Though missionaries’ approach to Manchuria did not deviate from the purview of Japanese colonial authorities, they also realized Manchuria was distinct from China proper. This type of understanding of Manchuria, influenced U.S. and British policy makers, in that they suggested imperative application of “trusteeship” in Manchuria, distinct from China proper. However, through proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, diverse memory of this area has been also muted, with application of modern and exclusive territorial sovereignty.