[KS] seok

[Jonathan Best]

>Cwiertka, K.J. wrote:
>>I am trying to find out precisely how many litres is there in 1 seok
>(seom). After searching several Korean-English 
>dictionaries, I found out that 1 seok is an 
>equivalent of 47.6 US gallons. Multiplying it by 
>4.405 (1 gallon = 4.405 litre) I came up with 
>the figure 209.678. Is this correct? (I must 
>admit that maths is not my strongest point...)


After all the enlightening information given in 
response to this query regarding the søk, I feel 
somewhat silly adding the following cautionary 
note, but the volume of the measure varied 
significantly over time in East Asia.  Dynasties 
in China tended from at least Jin times to 
redefine weights and measures when they assumed 
power as a way of distinguishing themselves from 
their predecessors.  As a sign of allegiance to a 
dynasty (and to facilitate trade), its 
tributaries were expected, and seemingly 
generally did, follow suit.  In the instance of 
Korea, this practice seems to have been adhered 
to as early at least as the sixth century (Three 
Kingdoms period) given the archeological evidence 
derived from the Paekche royal tombs in Kongju. 
Ergo, if  Mr. Cwiertka is concerned with the 
volume of a søk anytime before the Choson period 
(and possibly the late Choson period), then the 
answer to his question is not so clear.  There 
are basic Chinese reference books giving the 
dynastic variations in weights and measures that 
one can readily consult.

Jonathan Best



-- 
Jonathan W. Best
Art History Program, CFA
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT 06459-0442

Telephone: (860) 685-3025
FAX: (860) 685-2061
E-mail: jbest at wesleyan.edu