郡

Historically, it denoted a large territorial unit under central governance, positioned between the state and local towns or villages.

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

邑 (고을 읍) — semantic component, meaning “city” or “settlement,” indicating a populated and governed area.

君 (임금 군) — phonetic component, providing the sound gun (군) and implying rulership or authority.

Together, they signify “a governed town” — a district ruled by an official on behalf of the sovereign.

郡守 (군수) — county magistrate; governor of a district

郡縣 (군현) — prefectures and counties; local administrative units

郡民 (군민) — residents of a county

郡邑 (군읍) — towns and districts; administrative settlements

州郡 (주군) — provinces and counties

郡國 (군국) — states and territories

名郡 (명군) — renowned district or region

古郡 (고군) — ancient county

The term 郡 arose during the Warring States period (戰國時代) and became systematized under the Qin Dynasty (秦, 221 BCE), when China was unified under a centralized bureaucracy.

The empire was divided into:

郡 (gun) — prefectures or counties,

縣 (현) — smaller administrative counties within each prefecture.

Each 郡 was governed by a 郡守 (군수) or 太守 (태수), officials responsible for taxation, military defense, and local order.

「秦以天下為郡縣。」

“The Qin divided the realm into prefectures and counties” — Records of the Grand Historian (史記).

In Korean history, the concept of 郡 was adopted from the Chinese system during the Three Kingdoms period.

In the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, gun (郡) referred to mid-sized administrative regions, smaller than a bu (府) or do (道) but larger than a myeon (面) or ri (里).

Even today, many Korean counties retain the suffix –gun (–郡), such as Yangyang-gun (양양군) or Goheung-gun (고흥군).

Cultural and symbolic notes:

Beyond its administrative meaning, 郡 often evokes the idea of order, hierarchy, and governance — the structured organization of human society.

The inclusion of 邑 (settlement) roots it in the earth — the local community, while 君 (ruler) lifts it toward authority — governance and moral responsibility.

Hence, 郡 represents the union of the local and the sovereign, the bridge between ruler and people.

「君臨天下，郡治萬民。」

“The sovereign presides over the realm; the prefect governs the people.”

In classical literature, 郡 also carries connotations of heritage and locality, appearing in place names that reflect historical identity — reminders of humanity’s relationship with land and rule.

郡 embodies the ancient principle of ordered community — the belief that peace arises when governance flows harmoniously from Heaven to Earth, from ruler to people.

「善治之郡，民安而和。」

“In a well-governed district, the people dwell in peace and harmony.”

Thus, 郡 stands as a symbol of structure, stewardship, and belonging — a place where authority and community coexist, binding the vast realm into a living whole.