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The sinking incident of a Marine passenger ship in the period of Korean War (1950-1953)

  • The Review of Korean History
  • 2021, (144), pp.303-352
  • Publisher : The Historical Society Of Korea
  • Research Area : Humanities > History
  • Received : November 15, 2021
  • Accepted : December 9, 2021
  • Published : December 30, 2021

Songsoon Lee 1

1고려대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study examined the specific facts, causes, and national response patterns of passenger ship sinking disasters that occurred continuously in the southwestern coastal region during the Korean War (1950-1953). After liberation, Korea’s shipping industry was in a crisis situation. However, in the traffic situation at the time, marine passenger ships were an inexpensive and convenient means of transportation. The shipping administrative system continued to the Joseon Government-General of Korea’s Transportation Bureau, and the legal system was not reorganized. After the sinking of the Pyeonghae-ho in October 1949, the Chochun-ho sinking in December 1950, and the accidents of the Namgyeong-ho, Geumseong-ho, 1st Samho-ho, 5th Pyeonli-ho, 3rd Haenam-ho and Pumcheon-ho in 1951 occurred in succession. In January 1953, the sinking of the Changgyeong-ho, which killed more than 300 people, occurred. These accidents were the result of defects in the ship, overboarding of passengers and loading of excess cargo, and defenselessness against accidents. The captain and the shipowner were legally punished for this accident, but the state authority responsible for management and supervision was not responsible. Since it was the process of the Korean War, civilian disasters and damage had to be dealt with at the expense of individuals. The last resort for victims was the state, but in a war situation, the state did not have the system and awareness to protect the safety of its people and respond to damage.

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