premodern korean history finals id terms

Hong Kyŏngnae Rebellion

Occurring 1811-1812, was started in December 1811 when a fallen yangban named Hong Kyongnae led an uprising in northwestern P’yongan province. After five months, government troops put down the uprising, ending with a 100 day siege of Chongju. Government forces dug tunnels under the city wall and set off explosions and Hong and his ally rebels fought to the death. This rebellion was significant as it revealed the central government’s regional discrimination against P’yongan province, especially against its yangban.

Market Days

Markets existed in over 1000 locations by the 18th century; larger ones more permanent and most rural ones open every five days. As they were stimulated by the circulation of coins after the mid-17th century, professional artisans emerged and landlords became involved in them, with “market days,” or certain days of the week local communities would come together to buy, sell, and trade foods, emerging as festive occasions. These were significant as they contributed to the state’s commercial development with the support of local economies from the circulation of all different types of goods, like rice and textiles.

Low-Rodgers Expedition 

Occurring from June-July 1871, it was dubbed the “Western Disturbance of 1871.” It involved a force of five heavily armed warships and 1230 troops arriving near Kanghwa Island to ostensibly “open” Korea for trade as well as to inquire about the fate of General Sherman. With approximately 250 Koreans and only 3 Americans dead, the expedition is significant as it majorly added to foreign pressure on Choson Korea to open up its trade, of which it soon did in 1876.

Treaty of Kanghwa

Signed in 1876, it is known as Korea’s first unequal treaty, of which was signed with Japan, as it called to open three treaty ports to trade and Japanese settlement, allow Japanese naval survey shops to operate in Korean waters, and have these Japanese subjects in these ports subject to Japanese, a form of extraterritoriality. It is significant as it marked the start of Japan’s assertive influence over Korea, leading to increased Japanese presence and colonization later on.

Queen Min

Alive 1851-1895, she was also known as Empress Myongsong, and was a politically influential queen consort from a powerful aristocratic family. She initially supported reform efforts but had a falling out with the pro-Japanese reformist faction amidst the Kapsin Coup, leading her in the wake of Chinese defeat in the Sino-Japanese War to reach out to Russia. The Japanese, however, did not like this and assassinated her in the palace. She is significant today as she is seen as a modern hero and martyr who was one of the first victims of modern Japanese Imperialism in such a brutal way.

Sino-Japanese War

Occurring 1894-1895, it started because King Kojong called China for help and Japanese forces reacted quickly, dispatching their ships with soldiers. On June 19, 1894, both countries started sending their troops, and soon Japanese troops occupied the Royal palace, and war broke out between China and Japan on Korean soil. This war is significant as, in light of Japanese victory, major Chinese traditional influence over Korea was essentially ended, and in turn, Japan would garner more control over the state.