History of Gojong of Korea

Gojong of Korea, also known as Emperor Gwangmu, was the twenty-sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the Korean Empire. Born on September 8, 1852, Gojong ascended to the throne in 1864, at the tender age of twelve, following the death of King Cheoljong. His reign, which lasted until 1907, was marked by tumultuous political changes and efforts to modernize Korea amidst increasing pressure from foreign powers.

Gojong's early reign was heavily influenced by his father, Heungseon Daewongun, who acted as regent due to the young king's age. The Daewongun sought to restore royal authority and strengthen the central government by dismantling factional powers and enforcing strict Confucianism, while remaining isolationist in foreign policy. His efforts included curtailing the power of the yangban aristocracy, reforming the tax system, and reconstructing the dilapidated Gyeongbok Palace. These reforms, while initially strengthening the central government, created tensions with both domestic factions and foreign powers looking to establish a foothold in Korea.

By the early 1880s, Gojong began to assert his independence from his father's influence and sought to modernize the country. Inspired by Japan's successful Meiji Restoration and fearing colonization by more aggressive foreign powers, he initiated several reforms to open Korea to the outside world, economically and diplomatically. In 1882, he signed the Treaty of Jemulpo with Japan following the Imo Incident, wherein anti-reform soldiers protested the influx of foreign influence and modern military practices. The treaty granted Japan several economic privileges, illustrating the increasing influence of foreign powers over Korean affairs.

The evolving geopolitical landscape saw further challenges with the growing interest of China, Russia, and Japan in the Korean Peninsula. Gojong's strategy was to delicately balance these influences while trying to maintain Korea’s independence. The Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) dramatically shifted this balance, with Japan emerging as a dominant force following their victory. The assassination of Queen Min, orchestrated by Japanese agents in 1895, was a traumatic blow to Gojong and a demonstration of Japan's ruthless influence over Korea.

Following the Queen's death, Gojong took refuge in the Russian legation in Seoul, resulting in what was known as the “Korean Great Han Empire Declaration,” marking the beginning of the Korean Empire in 1897. This symbolic declaration of the empire was an attempt to emphasize Korea's sovereignty and resist Japanese domination, adopting the Western-style imperial title to convey a new era of independence. Under Gojong's reign as emperor, efforts to modernize Korea continued, including the establishment of a postal service, railways, and telecommunication systems, as well as legal and educational reforms.

However, the turmoil and internal opposition continued to plague Gojong's efforts at reform. Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) further cemented their control over Korea. The Eulsa Treaty of 1905 effectively made Korea a protectorate of Japan, stripping Gojong of diplomatic power. In a desperate attempt to assert Korean sovereignty, Gojong secretly sent emissaries to the Hague Peace Conference in 1907 to plead for international support, an effort that was diplomatically ignored and angered Japan.

The discovery of Gojong's clandestine attempt resulted in Japan forcing his abdication in favor of his son, Sunjong. Even after abdicating, Gojong remained a symbol of Korean resistance and nationalism until his death in 1919. His passing was met with national mourning and sparked the March 1st Movement, a significant demonstration against Japanese rule, reflecting his enduring impact on Korean national identity.

In retrospect, Gojong’s reign was a critical period in Korean history. His attempts at modernizing Korea were fraught with internal resistance and overwhelming foreign pressure. While largely seen as a time of lost sovereignty, his reign laid the foundation for future Korean nationalism and resistance against colonial rule. Gojong’s era emphasized the struggles of maintaining national identity in the face of overpowering foreign interests, and his legacy continues to be a subject of reflection in Korea’s historical consciousness.

Ultimately, the reign of Gojong of Korea spanned a complex era marked by intense political maneuvering and courageous, albeit often unsuccessful, attempts to maintain sovereignty. His life epitomizes the challenges faced by weaker states in the international power play of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where diplomatic tightrope acts often dictated their survival. Gojong’s story is not merely one of a king attempting to modernize his nation, but also one of resilience and the undying spirit of an independent Korea.