I.During the period of the relations between Korea and Japan just before opening ports, the most important one is under the rule of Taewongun. From the retirement of the Regent to the early days of the rule of Queen Min, the orientation of Chosoˇ's d...
I.During the period of the relations between Korea and Japan just before opening ports, the most important one is under the rule of Taewongun. From the retirement of the Regent to the early days of the rule of Queen Min, the orientation of Chosoˇ's diplomacy toward Japan was also important in Japan, the Meiji Restoration and the process of Japan's policy toward Korean was noticeable.
In the course of studying the relationship of the two nations on the eve of signing the Kangwha Treaty.
I have discussed the or ientation of Chosoˇn's diplomacy toward Japan, the changes of Korea and Japan relations around Taewongun's coming to power, the process of 'the Theory of conquest of Korea' and the changes between the two countries after Taewongun's retirement to private life.
As the result, the changes of Korea and Japan relations led to Kangwha Treaty, and finally causes Japan to invade Korea. In this context, I've tried to find out what the relations of the two nations meant and what the problem was.
II.As the historical background of Korea-Japan relations, the orientation of Chosoˇn's diplomacy toward Japan was the most important problem. But Chosoˇn's assumed the basic good neighbor policy of worshiping the powerful based on the doctrine of Chu-tzu and had several entry certification system.
Chosoˇn Dynasty was characterized by its exclusionism, conservatism and eliticism (theses are also based on Chu-tzu). And Chosoˇn adopted 'Sadakyor in' thinking itself superior to any other nation around it.
In the policy toward Japan, the Yi Dynasty put emphasis on maintaining its pride as a civilized people by retaining the dominant culture transporting system as a suzerain.
It also a unique way via 'Daemado' route and used 'Soˇ-gae' and 'Do-soˇ'. These means had been used throughtout the Chosoˇn Dynasty, and these were main vehicles during the priod of the rule of Taewongun. The relations of the two nations shortly before the opening ports are divided into three periods.
Firstly, it was until 1868. AD., when 'Soˇ-gae' arrived announcing the Restoration of Royal Rule in Japan. It was the period when 'the good neighbor policy of worshiping the powerful' (Sadaekyor in) had been still in effect.
Secondly, the period after the 'Soˇ-gae' problem, when Taewongun's retirement caused various changes. The Policy of Seclusion which severed the mutual relationship was applied. In Japan, 'Junghanron' rose in earnest. Formerly, the Meiji government had been well aware of the facts that had been formed during the Japan's Feudal Government about the whole process of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. Nevertheless, having considering it as impolite that Chosoˇn government had not accepted the offer, the fact that Japan put 'Junghanron' into practice shows us how Japanese sentiment toward Korea had been absurd.
Lastly, this is the period when, after the Taewongun's retirement, the foreign policy toward Japan was changed by Queen Min and ruling circles. During this period, as the steadfast seclusionist was changed into appeasement policy, Japan, knowing this change, increased its threat to invade Korea.
For Chosoˇn Dynasty, it was not prepared for enlightenment, so it was natural that opening ports should be achieved not by its own intention but by others.
III.In studying the character and the problem of the relations between the two countries, the problem was whether or not the changes of the process of the relations between the two countries were proper.
Last but not least, the Kangwha Treaty reflected all elements of the relations between Korea and Japan, and it also alludes to many things up to now.