Talk:Timeline of Korean history

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"Founding" of "Korea"[edit]

Wow. Why are all the Korea-related sites so incredibly twisted with Korean nationalist bias? You are NOT allowed on Wikipedia to portray Korea as having been "founded" by Dangun (a mythical figure saidto be born of a she-bear and a spirit from heaven. Why are you not making it clear that this is a myth, a legend, and in NO WAY indicates an actual historical event? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.134.65.44 (talk) 17:51, 11 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hey! DON'T argue with them. You will be OUTNUMBERED! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.74.137.161 (talk) 10:05, 28 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Discussion on my revision[edit]

1. Dangun is no more a myth. It is not part of the history and therefore shall not be included in the timeline of History. supporting ref: "no evidence has been found that supports whatever facts may lie beneath this myth" from "The Korea, A global studies handbook"

2. Korean Bronze Age starts from around 800 BC. supporting ref: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/tps/1000bce_ko.htm

3. Han commanderies are in the northern Korea Peninsula as far south as Han River. supporting ref: http://www.shsu.edu/~his_ncp/Korea.html EJcarter (talk) 11:02, 13 October 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Discussion about the Korean Empire and the Gwangmu Reform[edit]

(rather, my essay about it)

The Gwangmu Reform (光武改革): The Grandiose Plan for Transformation When people think of successful reforms or revolutions in Korean history, they rarely think of the end of the Chosun Dynasty as the likely part of history. Instead of the collapse of a Confucian Dynasty during the end of the 19th century, a reformation of an empire began- the Gwangmu Reform. Gwangmu reform formally began shortly after the proclamation of the Korean Empire (大韓帝國) in 1897. The reform lasted eight years until the Eulsa treaty (乙巳條約) with Japan in 1905; however, the practical start was much earlier. It is not an overstatement to say that it was as early as the late 1880s. Emperor Gojong (King Gojong at the time) tried in vain to modernize the country for several decades but was only partly unsuccessful. Successful projects began after the proclamation of the Empire. Under the rule of Emperor Gojong (高宗), Korea was successful in the reform, ignoring neighbouring countries that oppressed and pressured the empire. The Korean Empire succeeded in showing other countries that it was an independent country, rather than a subordinate state to China. First, Korea demolished the Yeungeun Gate (迎恩門) and made the Independence Gate (獨立門) on its site. The Yeungeun Gate was built during the Chosun Dynasty to welcome Chinese diplomats. Monarchs would meet them at that gate. The Independence Gate was modelled after the Arch of Triumph in Paris, France (Gate). The demolition of the 

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Yeungeun Gate meant that the Korean Empire, unlike the formal Chosun, would not be a subordinate state to the Qing Dynasty. The construction of the Independence Gate was a monumental proclamation to the world upon the independence of the Korean Empire (Yi, Tokyo 156). A building with the same intent was built inside the walls of Seoul. The Nambeolgoong (南別宮) was also demolished, and the Wongudan (圜丘壇) was established on the site. The Nambeolgoong was originally for the lodging of Chinese diplomats when they visited Korea. In the Wongudan, Emperor Gojong had his coronation from king to emperor. It was later used as a place to worship the gods of the earth and sky. It was the symbol of the Korean Empire (Yi, Era 342, 373). A similar building is located in Beijing, China. The buildings showed that Korea had a status matching those of China and Japan. The Korean Empire also established the first modern military to fight off foreign attacks. The Korean Empire started with “...28,000 ‘modernized’ foot soldiers with modern weapons, and they had growing amounts of military budget for military growth...” (Yang 2). The Korean government also bought the first warship Yangmu (揚武號), built the second ship Guangjae (光濟號), and started a modern navy school with several teachers, including one western teacher and 170 students (An). The Korean army had obtained several thousand rifles and abundant field artillery to fight off attacks from other countries (Army). In 1900, the Korean Empire establishes 2 artillery battalions. For this, the government orders 12 field guns and 6 Maxim guns to a British incorporation and the material arrives in Seoul by next January (Yi, Gojong 151). By 1903, there was a firearms factory in Yongsan (Yi, Era 343). These various evidence shows that the Korean Empire was striving to become a modern country with a powerful army. Third, as a proof of independence, Koreans improved the Korean language to show they have a distinct language from Chinese. Under the scheme and support of 

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Emperor Gojong, Jushigyung (周時經) and several other Korean linguistics scholars systematized and simplified the Korean grammar. Jushigyung also published several milestone works on the Korean language (Sangolhain). The emphasis on language could be seen both ways: to create an easier system of communication and to show foreign countries they have a very unique language. Fourth, the Korean Empire had claimed Jiandao (間島) and Dokdo (獨島) as their own territory. The Korean Empire sent officials with jurisdiction over the Jiandao territory. Also, Ullengdo was raised to the status of a county and Dokdo (Seokdo (石島) at the time) was included in its territory (Innyssam). If the Korean Empire were a part of China, Korea wouldn't bother to take Jiandao or Dokdo as its own territory. Rather, it risked claiming them as part of their empire; therefore, this could be seen as a movement to show foreign nations that Korea was an independent empire. Korea was exercising its legal rights by putting more emphasis on its borders. The Korean Empire was successful in the modernization of the empire. First, they supplied electricity and tramlines, along with maintenance of streets at the capital of Korea. The Tram was opened in Seoul at May 4th 1899, the earliest for all Asian countries (An). Also, electric lights were opened in the major streets of Seoul, and there were plans to build more outside the city walls. Sewers were constructed on the sides of roads; muddy roads were paved; narrow streets were widened (Yi, Era 366). Mrs. Isabella Bird had written this about Seoul in 1896: ...Seoul is, in many ways, is literally unrecognizable...Seoul is on its way changing from the most filthy to the cleanest city in the Far East...(Bishop 36) Mrs. Bishop had, in previous chapters, written about Korea as disgusting and filthy. This is nearly the ending chapter of the book. After the start of the Gwangmu Reform, Seoul was modernized in a speed that 

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amazed foreigners. Also, the improvement of public facilities was important for a modern civil society. The Korean Empire had a major plan to build railroads throughout the country (Yi, Tokyo 140-142). The government allowed foreign companies to build railroads and took 25% of the profit (Yi, Gojong 253). In order to start constructing the railroad, the government made a beginning point for the land survey(Yi, Tokyo 143). The point, marked by a monument still stands in Seoul (Milestone). The Korean Empire introduced a new kind of currency, the Baekdonghua (白銅貨). Made in white bronze, the coin was first circulated in 1892. Made for the establishment of the modern currency system, the new currency was more effective in international trade than the former currency. By establishing the Daehanchunileunhang (大韓天一銀行) in 1899, the government expanded areas that used the Baekdonghua. Therefore, the government-run bank succeeded in stimulating international trade and curbing the inflation that was expanding throughout the nation (Yi, Gojong 69). The Korean Empire, wishing to have foreign trade with other nearby countries, found the former currency to have negative effects on international trade. The Korean Empire, putting international trade as their major priority, changed their currency into something more modern. By international trade, the market suddenly grew. The Korean rice and cotton flourished in the free market system. The productivity of rice paddies escaped its low point by the increase of demand. Free trade also led to the influx of modern technology and information (Yi Gojong 181- 182). Third, the emperor promoted the establishment of domestic companies. There were five domestic companies in Seoul at the year of 1894. This figure skyrocketed to 222 domestic companies in just a decade (An). The country often invested money to major domestic companies and sent students abroad to study modern technology. From 1883 onwards, the number of foreign engineers and skilled workers hired by 

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Korea suddenly increased (Yi, Gojong 182). Such an increase in numbers of companies, students studying abroad and foreign workers meant that development was happening at a fast pace. This kind of reform would not have been possible if Emperor Gojong did not have the determination to transform the Korean Empire into a modern country. There was also a nationwide founding of modern schools for the equality of education. Traditionally, schools in Chosun were only for the elite and taught only Chinese characters. The monarch, finding this insufficient for the growth of the nation, invited and asked missionaries to become teachers in the schools that were being established. The schools recruited students from all classes in the caste system. The first school was Baejaehakdang (培材學堂), established by the Christian missionary Appenzeller 

 in 1885.	
 After	
 the	
 start	
 of	
 the	
 Gwangmu	
 reform	
 in	
 1897,	
 

numerous 

 technical institutions, such as the Guangmu Academy (鑛務學校), were

established (Yi, Tokyo 134). King Gojong pressed on for more construction of schools that taught modern education. Fifth, there was a boost in buying steam engine ships. The nation possessed 7 ships in 1886; it became 144 ships in 1895. The boats were used for many purposes, such as tax collecting, trade and transportation (Shipboat). The emperor recognized nationwide ‘modern transformation’ was the top priority. The Korean Empire had successfully reformed the structure and system of the government. The government, specifically the emperor, was not a primitive governor of the Chosun dynasty but a modern monarch who always had his ears open to the people. The army of the infamous Donghaknongmineundong (東學農民運動), or the Dong-Hak peasant rebellion, was successfully negotiating with the Emperor until Japan came between them and set variance with each other. The emperor was ready to 

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accept the demands of the peasants, and the rebels believed their monarch could realize their ideology to the nation. Understanding the negotiation was going too smoothly for their liking, the Japanese army took control over Seoul and forced the government to start war with the Dong-Hak peasants (Yi, Era 30). Despite common notion that Korea was absolute monarchy, the Korean governmental system was parliamentary, similar to those of Great Britain and Japan. The Joongchuwon (中樞院) was set up of 50 members. Half was appointed by the Emperor. The other half was chosen by the People’s Committee. It had the power to invalidate and change the orders of the Emperor. The constitution of the Korean Empire (大韓國國制), stating total power of the emperor, is similar with those of Japan (Yi, Gojong 27-28). The total profit the government earned per year rose significantly in the Korean Empirical Era. The Naejangwon (內藏院), the governmental organization that supervised the Emperor’s properties, levied taxes on the land of the royal family, ranches, the mining industry and foreign investments (Yi, Gojong 108-109). Therefore, the profit rose for the Korean Empire, resulting in more budgets for many purposes. The budgets were partly used to modernize Korean Empire’s public facilities. Public modern facilities, such as hospitals and post offices, were set up. The public resources were not confined to the use of the Royal family and high officials but to all people in Korea. Some of the budget was used to help people from starvation in droughts. In the great drought of 1901, the government imported Vietnamese rice to stabilize the rice cost (Yi, Gojong 69). The government was structurally made to support all people of the Korean Empire. The Korean government granted equality amongst its people. The declaration of abolition of slavery in 1886 by Emperor Gojong allowed all people to have equal rights (Yi, Gojong 45). The Korean flag (太極旗) has the ‘taijitu’ in the center. The difference is there is no dot inside the symbol. This is the same in tenor 

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with the 1886 declaration, as it implies the theory that the monarch is made up of the people (Yi, Tokyo 80-81). The Korean government also initiated Gwangmu Yangjeon (光武量田) in 1898 to fix payment of land tax as cash. It was the introduction of a modern form of land surveying. It was also the first consensus between the opinions of the government and farmers (Yi, Gojong 64). After the Russo-Japanese war, the Korean government undauntingly worked through the use of secret services. The Jaegookyikmoonsae (帝國益聞社) was established in 1902 for three purposes: “...first, spy on high officials who have contacts with Japan; second, keep an eye on major ports, in case for release of illegal currencies; and third, keep an eye on foreigners...” Using invisible ink to write and put the royal seal on its cover, the ‘spies for the emperor’ had specific methods to send messages to the emperor (Yi, Era 387-402). There were 61 agents, with its headquarters in Seoul. 6 of them operated overseas. This faculty was possibly the how Emperor Gojong sent his letters to foreign leaders (An). This facility proves that the Korean Empire, after the 19th century, was not dormant but was very active. The Korean Empire had succeeded in the Gwangmu Reformation. Although Emperor Gojong’s “grand scheme” was not completed, it will not be forgotten by future generations. Perhaps the reform was successful in its mission, for we realize now how active the Korean Empire was. The reform proceeded while the country was going under severe circumstances. The political and diplomatic atmosphere amongst neighbouring countries, especially the formal Meiji Japan, should be acknowledged along with the details of the reform. Japan, fearing Korea was modernizing was too fast for its taste, decided to block Korea on its road to modernization. Japan put all its efforts in enforcing Korea as its subordinate state. Without the leadership of Emperor 

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Gojong, the reform itself would not have initiated. Throughout history, there is no such example of a reformation that was as successful as the Gwangmu Reform. 

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Primary sources: Annotated Bibliography Bird, Isabella L. Korea and Her Neighbors a Narrative of Travel, with an Account of the Recent Vicissitudes and Present Position of the Country. New York: Revell, 1898. Print. Mrs. Bird have been to Korea in the 1900s. She has written in detail what the Korean Empire, specifically Seoul, was like. She describes Seoul first as a dirty and disgusting city. Later in the book, however, she states that Seoul is a city that is greatly changing from a primitive to a modern major city. The scene she describes as a changing city was in the finishing months of 1896. This is about the time when the reformation was on the start. The reformation shows greater productivity during the later years. I have used several of her statements for evidence how Seoul was active and toiling to become a modern and major city in the Far East. She have been there as a member of the Royal Geographical Society. The Independence Gate (Doklipmoon). 20 Nov. 1897. Raw data. Hyun-je Dong 941, Seodaemoon-gu, Seoul, R.O.Korea. The Independence Gate was the material evidence of independence from China, as China and Chosun previously had a Confucian relationship with Korea as a vassal state. The Independence Society, with much help from funding of the Korean Empire government, started the construction of the gate in 1896. It was built with granite, 14 meters high and 11.5 meters wide. The Chosun Dynasty emblem is engraved in the headstone. The word ‘Doklipmoon’ is written on the front and back of the gate. Throughout my essay, this would be cited as “Gate”. Wongudan. 1897. Raw data. Inside the Westin Chosun Hotel, Seoul, R.O.Korea. The monarch was elevated into Emperor. This building was made for the emperor’s coronation. After this, he was able to give his people proper harvest rituals. The building was built for both occasions. Previously, only China and Japan were empires. The building was demolished by Japan and built a hotel on its grounds. The hotel still remains today. It is proof that the emperor wished Korea to become a nation with a status same with its neighbouring countries. This would be cited as “Wongudan”. A Zero Milestone made during the Korean Empire. Raw data. In Front of the Kyobo Gwanghwamun Bookstore, Seoul, R.O.Korea. During the Guangmu Reform, there were nationwide major plans to construct railroads and highways across the nation. To start the grand scheme with several topographical surveys, the government built a zero milestone that stated the distance with major cities. The design of the stone was the copy of the Jefferson Pier, which was made because Thomas Jefferson wished Washington, D.C. to become the unique prime meridian for the United States of America. It is not an overstatement to say that 

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Korean diplomats, during the time they were in the DC, learnt the meaning of the pier stone and imbued the meaning to their new zero milestone. This would be cited as “Milestone”. Secondary sources: Genthe, Siegfried. Genthes Reisen. Berlin: Allg. Verein Für Deutsche Literatur, 1905. Print. This German journalist has written many compliments about Seoul. The book has stated Koreans as very nice, intelligent and diligent. I have read the translation of the book as it was written in German. The book was not written when he was travelling; he went on the travel at 1901 and wrote the book at 1905. He wrote disturbingly complimentary statements about the Korean Empire and its people. He later exclaims how the supposedly ‘the quiet land of the east’ is so energetic to adopt modern inventions, such as trams, that the people use it leisurely. An, Joo Yun. "The Korean Empire: a 13-year Plan." History Special. Dir. Jung Hoon Go. KBS. KBS1, Seoul, 22 Sept. 2006. Television. This documentary program, as the title states, informs about everything on the Korean Empire. The program is about 1 hour long and it starts with the end of the Kojong Empire. It ends with the conclusion that the Korean Empire did not have a unsuccessful endeavour for reformation (as Japan claims as the reason for annexation with Korea). 

  Innyssam.	
 "Gando/Dokdo-­‐related	
 Material	
 from	
 the	
 Gojong	
 Era."	
 Beautiful	
 

Korea! 

 26	
 Oct.	
 2011.	
 Web.	
 11	
 Nov.	
 2011.	
  <http://blog.naver.com/innyssam?Redirect=Log&logNo=60144954017>.

This was a blog where several materials were posted. It was proof that Korea tried to have Gando (Jiandao) and Dokdo (Liancourt Rocks) as their territory. One of the materials was not from the Korea Empire. It was a territory sign, dividing Korean and Chinese territory in 1712. The rock, situated between the territories in Baekdu Mountain, was demolished by the Japanese army in 1931. Other materials present were written records and scripts. Kim, Sae Yeun. "The Dream of Hulbert, the King's Emissary." History Special. Dir. Guang Heum Shim. KBS. KBS1, Seoul, 30 June 2011. Television. Homer Hulbert is an American missionary who came to Korea during the Guangmu Reform and had great positive impact on Korea. One of his ancestors was the founder of Dartmouth College. He suggested spacing of words in a sentence, as there sometimes were misunderstood meanings. He was the personal assistant to the Emperor. He was the “secret helper” to the three secret agents to the Emperor on their way to Hague. 

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Millard, Thomas F. The New Far East an Examination into the New Postion of Japan ... London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1906. Print. Thomas Millard was an influential journalist in the Far East. He has written on his book The New Far East that the Korean state finance was better than Japan just before the Russo-Japanese War. While Japan had almost used up all its gold mines for military budget expansion, Korea still had plenty of good gold mines. This is proof that Korea had a better state of finance than Meiji Japan. "Our Culture and Science: the Introduction of the Steam Engine Shipboat." The Kyunghyang Shinmoon [Seoul] 31 July 1973, 8566th ed.: 5. Print. Print. This was a short half-page article that had put emphasis on the Korean Empire. The article was a part of a big series of articles that were put weekly on a continuous rate. This was about science- how the Korean Empire was so interested in the steam engine ship. It could be seen as one of the reasons that there were numerous dynamic movements during the Guangmu Reform. It was interesting steam engine was under the category ‘science’, instead of ‘technology’. As this was a weekly article, there was no specific author of the article. I will cite this as “Shipboat”. Paparachi. "The Pictures of the Korean Empire Army Weapons." Web log post. Hotissue Paparachi. 20 Sept. 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. <http://manucc.tistory.com/1369>. The blogger have listed and posted images to weapons that were used during that time. Although there were several other bloggers who had written about the same topic, the others were strangely cynical about the effects it had on national defence. For weapons that were posted on the blog, there were: Several kinds of rifles, a pistol, several kinds of machine guns and several kinds of field artillery. Some examples would be the Maxim machine gun, the Gatling gun, a Mauser Model 1896 and Model 1871 and the Remington Rolling Block rifle. The pictures may be used for examples for modern weapons. I will cite the pictures as “Army”. Sangolhain. "OkSan Oakmushroom." Jushigyung. 29 June 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. <http://blog.naver.com/sangolhain?Redirect=Log>. This blogger has given specific information upon Jushigyung and his works. I have learnt many things about the person and his works by this site. The essay centres on Jushigyung. This is proof that Jushigyung, with the help of Emperor Gojong, was able to change the Korean language for easier use. 

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Yang, Sang Hyun. The Management of Military Budget and Military Reform of the Korean Empire. Thesis. Ulsan University, 2007. Print. A history professor in Ulsan University wrote this essay. It specifically says about military reforms and military budget during the Guangmu Reformation period. Even as a Korean, I was unable to understand many parts of it because there are much excerpts from a book written during that period. The language is too old-fashioned and the words are written Chinese characters. However, after much time, I was able to fully understand the contents. There are various charts and numbers, many which are budget depending on the year and date. Yi, Tae Jin. "Chinese-Japanese Interference on Korean Independent Modernization." Korean History Told to Students in Tokyo University. Paju: Jihyungu, 2005. 116-73. Print. This book gives information what happened during the Guangmu Reform. Specific dates and plans are captured in this book. Korea is often compared with Japan. The author, a renowned former Korean history professor in Seoul University and present head of the National History Compilation Committee, knew very much about the specific part of history. Foreigners may see some parts of the book as very “Korean- favouring”. I have gotten the motivation to use this as the NHD topic by reading this book. I will cite this book as “Tokyo”. Yi, T'ae-jin. "The Scene of Modernization." Reillumination upon the Gojong Era. Seoul: Taehaksa, 2000. 231-402. Print. This book is the centre and the main point in the whole topic. The debate in 2004 started because of this book. Former Seoul university professor and present chairman of the Board of National History, Tae-jin Yi had written all his ideas over this book. His motive to write this book was because Japan had tampered with our history so much it looked like fact. “Tokyo” had cited almost all its sources to this book. It had more information than anyone can possibly think of. I will cite this book as “Era”. Yi, Tʻae-jin, Chae-ho Kim, Hyun-Jong Wang, Gi-bong Kim, Dong-taek Kim, Young hun Yi, Jin-oh Ju, Sang-gyu Kang, Young-hei Seo, Hun-chang Yi, and Byung chun Yi. Kojong Hwangje Yŏksa Chʻŏngmunhoe. Comp. The Kyosu Shinmoon. Sŏul-si: Pʻurŭn Yŏksa, 2005. Print. Started by professor Tae-jin Yi and Chae-ho Kim, the debate started upon whether Emperor Gojong was an enlightened leader or a traditional Confucian monarch. After several discussions through writing essays to each other, it became the most important discussion about the topic. The debate lasted 5 months. Over 20 essays were written by 11 professors. All were experts in various fields of the topic. The debate ended with a conference. The conference took over 4 hours. Not all members in the debate went to the conference; only the most distinct six professors went. The fight of logic and pen between professors was very interesting to watch. I have learnt both sides of the reform; as all events are, it too had negative aspects. I will cite this as “Gojong”. 

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Yun, Young Chan. "A National Intelligence Agency Present during the Gojong Era." The Dong-A Ilbo [Seoul] 7 Nov. 1998, 45th ed., sec. 24033: 5. Print. This is proof that there was a national intelligence agency, similar with the ones of today, with specific missions given, was present during the Korean Empire. The article is about two paragraphs. It’s about the national intelligence service showing the national assembly that their origin came from the Korean Empire. The proof was a videotape taken by a professor who showed a book that was the laws and rules for agents in the secret service. The professor was Tae-jin, Yi. The book was Jaegookyikmoonsaebibojangjung (帝國益聞社秘報章程). 

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   — Preceding unsigned comment added by Franknam96 (talk • contribs) 13:32, 18 March 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Use of bold should be cleaned up[edit]

Dear editors, the use of BOLD lettering at random places on this page is not appropriate and makes the page looks amateurish and unreliable. I suggest you eliminate the BOLD lettering. --Smilo Don (talk) 16:08, 2 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Academic consensus[edit]

  • Seth, Michael J. (2010). A History of Korea: From Antiquity to the Present. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 443. ISBN 978-0-7425-6717-7.
"An extreme manifestation of nationalism and the family cult was the revival of interest in Tangun, the mythical founder of the first Korean state... Most textbooks and professional historians, however, treat him as a myth."
"Although Kija may have truly existed as a historical figure, Tangun is more problematical."
"Most [Korean historians] treat the [Tangun] myth as a later creation."
"The Tangun myth became more popular with groups that wanted Korea to be independent; the Kija myth was more useful to those who wanted to show that Korea had a strong affinity to China."
"If a choice is to be made between them, one is faced with the fact that the Tangun, with his supernatural origin, is more clearly a mythological figure than Kija."
"The continuing popularity of Tan'gun studies (Yun I-hum et al. 1994) clearly reflects the progressively ultra-nationalistic trend in Korean historical and archaeological scholarship today."
"Consequently, Korean studies that address topics such as the emergence of ancient Korean civilization, statehood, religion, and identity are inexplicable without reference to a complex jumble of contradictory narratives filled with Tan'gun fiction, competing dynastic myths, and hypothetical invasions of tribes, as well as unaccountable archaeological data. This state of confusion has rendered it virtually impossible to distinguish fact from fiction in studies on ancient Korea."

First posted on Template talk:History of Korea, reposting here as these are clearly related to the current discussion and will be useful for expanding and/or rewriting the article with more reliable sources.--219.111.108.11 (talk) 16:23, 26 January 2015 (UTC)[reply]

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