Gojong of Korea (b. 1852)

Gojong: The Monarch Who Bridged Eras in Korean History

Gojong (Korean: 고종; Hanja: 高宗; RR: Gojong; MR: Kojong), born on September 8, 1852, and passing away on January 21, 1919, presided over a pivotal and tumultuous era in Korea's history. His extensive reign, spanning from 1864 to 1907, witnessed the twilight of the ancient Joseon Dynasty and the dawn of the short-lived, yet significant, Korean Empire. He is posthumously honored as the Emperor Gwangmu (Korean: 광무제; Hanja: 光武帝; RR: Gwangmuje; MR: Kwangmuje), a title reflecting his efforts during a period of immense challenge and change.

Early Reign and the Daewongun's Influence

Gojong ascended the throne as the last King of Joseon in 1864, succeeding King Cheoljong. As he was only 12 years old at the time, his father, Yi Ha-eung, better known as the Daewongun (Grand Prince Regent), assumed the regency. The Daewongun pursued a vigorous policy of internal reform and staunch isolationism, aiming to strengthen Joseon's traditional structures and fiercely resist the encroaching Western and Japanese imperial powers. This period was marked by efforts to eradicate corruption, enhance military capabilities, and rebuild palace structures, while simultaneously repelling foreign incursions such as the French expedition of 1866 and the American expedition of 1871. However, as Gojong matured, he gradually asserted his direct rule, eventually sidelining his father in 1873. Under Gojong's direct governance, Korea began to open its doors to the outside world, notably with the controversial Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876, a treaty that was largely imposed by Japan and marked the beginning of increased Japanese influence on the peninsula.

The Proclamation of the Korean Empire (Daehan Jeguk)

A defining moment in Gojong's reign occurred on October 12, 1897, when he formally proclaimed the establishment of the Korean Empire (Daehan Jeguk) and declared himself Emperor. This strategic move was a bold assertion of Korea's national sovereignty and independence in the face of escalating imperialistic pressures, particularly following the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) which had significantly weakened China's traditional suzerainty over Korea. By elevating his status from King to Emperor, Gojong aimed to place Korea on an equal footing with other empires, such as China and Japan, signaling its desire to be recognized as a fully independent nation-state on the international stage. During this imperial period, Gojong initiated the Gwangmu Reform (광무개혁), a series of ambitious modernization efforts across various sectors:

• Military Modernization: Establishing modern armed forces, including a standing army and naval improvements.

• Industrial Development: Promoting modern industries, including mining, textiles, and the establishment of new companies.

• Infrastructure Expansion: Investing in railways, telegraph lines, and postal services to improve national connectivity and commerce.

• Educational Reforms: Founding modern schools and academies to train skilled personnel for the new era.

• Land Reforms: Implementing the Ji-gye (지계) land survey and property registration system to modernize land ownership and taxation.

Despite these proactive measures, the internal reforms were often hampered by political factionalism and the escalating external threats.

Forced Abdication and Legacy

Gojong's reign culminated in his tragic forced abdication in 1907, a direct consequence of Japan's relentless imperial ambitions. Following its victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Japan solidified its dominance over Korea, culminating in the signing of the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, often referred to as the Eulsa Treaty. This treaty effectively stripped Korea of its diplomatic sovereignty and established it as a Japanese protectorate, leading to widespread Korean protests and resistance. In a desperate bid to appeal for international support and expose the illegality of the Eulsa Treaty, Gojong secretly dispatched emissaries to the Second International Peace Conference at The Hague in 1907. This brave diplomatic initiative, known as the Hague Secret Emissary Affair, was unfortunately discovered by Japan. Viewing it as a violation of the protectorate treaty, Japan leveraged this incident to pressure Gojong into abdicating his throne on July 20, 1907. His son, Sunjong, succeeded him, becoming the second and last Emperor of Korea before the full annexation by Japan in 1910. Gojong spent his remaining years under Japanese surveillance in Deoksugung Palace until his death in 1919. His passing, under mysterious circumstances, fueled public resentment and served as a catalyst for the nationwide March First Movement for independence in the same year.

Posthumous Recognition as Emperor Gwangmu

Gojong is remembered posthumously as Emperor Gwangmu. The name "Gwangmu" (광무제; 光武帝) translates roughly to "Great Warrior" or "Bright and Martial Emperor," signifying a period of attempted rejuvenation and self-strengthening, despite the formidable challenges he faced. His reign represents a critical, often tragic, transition for Korea, marking the end of a long-standing dynasty and the beginning of its modern history under immense foreign pressure. He is a complex figure in Korean history, grappling with modernization while striving to preserve national sovereignty against overwhelming imperial forces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emperor Gojong

When did Gojong reign as King and then as Emperor?

Gojong reigned as the last King of Joseon from 1864 to 1897. He then proclaimed himself the first Emperor of Korea, reigning from 1897 until his forced abdication in 1907.

Why did Gojong declare himself Emperor of Korea?

Gojong declared himself Emperor on October 12, 1897, to assert Korea's full national sovereignty and independence. This move was a strategic response to increasing imperialistic pressures, especially from Japan, aiming to elevate Korea's international status and demonstrate its autonomy.

What was the Gwangmu Reform?

The Gwangmu Reform was a series of modernization initiatives implemented by Emperor Gojong from 1897 onwards. These reforms aimed to strengthen the Korean Empire by modernizing its military, promoting industrial and economic development, improving infrastructure (like railways and telegraphs), reforming education, and updating land ownership systems.

What led to Gojong's forced abdication in 1907?

Gojong's forced abdication was primarily triggered by the Hague Secret Emissary Affair in 1907. He secretly sent envoys to the Second International Peace Conference at The Hague to protest Japan's illegal imposition of the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905 (Eulsa Treaty), which made Korea a Japanese protectorate. Japan discovered this act and used it as justification to compel his abdication.

What is the meaning of Gojong's posthumous title, Emperor Gwangmu?

His posthumous title, Emperor Gwangmu (광무제; 光武帝), translates to "Great Warrior" or "Bright and Martial Emperor." It reflects the period of attempted self-strengthening and modernization that took place under his imperial rule, despite the ultimately unsuccessful struggle against foreign domination.