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Inch'on is located on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula at approximately 1260 east longitude, 370 north latitude. Inch'on is the gateway to the South Korean capital of Seoul, which is located 37 kilometers due east inland from Inch'on.
The settlement of the Inch'on area occurred in 18 B.C. At that time, the settlement was names Michuhol by its founder King Biryu and served as the capital of Baikje. The name of the settlement changed with successive rulers of the area, becoming Maisohol under the rule of Koguryo, Sosonghyon during the Unified Silla, Kyongwonbu during the Koryo era, Inch'on Kun under King Taijong of the Choson dynasty, and Inch'on Bu under King Kojong following the opening of the port in 1883. Inch'on Bu became Inch'on in 1949, when the community was upgraded to city status within the Korean governmental structure ("Brief History of Inch'on" 1). As a city in 1950, Inch'on consisted of layers of administrative sub-districts, the largest of which were kus and the smallest of which were dongs. Between these two sub-districts were kuns and myons.
In the late-1940s and in 1950, Inch'on was the second largest (as measured by shipping tonnage) port in Korea and the largest port on the country's west coast. As such, Inch'on played an important economic role in the greater Korean economy. Enhancing this role was the close proximity of Inch'on to the national capital and largest population center in the countryùSeoul (Metraux 139).
The military importance of Inch'on is considered in relation to the importance of the city within the context of the Korean War of 1950-1953. Factors such as strategic sites located within the Inch'on area, key military positions of the North Korean army, and the relationship between Inch'on and Seoul are addressed.
In mid-June 1950, Kim Il Sung, North Korean leader, broadcast (radio) a peace offer to the south. The offer was so favorable to the north that its rejecti...