Korean Empire

South Korea, 1897–1910. Draft, not yet reviewed

The Korean Empire was a Korean monarchical state proclaimed in October 1897 by King Gojong of the Joseon dynasty. The empire lasted until the Japanese annexation of Korea in August 1910. During this period, Emperor Gojong oversaw the Gwangmu Reform, a partial modernization and westernization of Korea's military, economy, land system, education system, and various industries. In 1905, the Korean Empire became a protectorate of the Empire of Japan.

Seat of power: Hanseongbu

Rulers

Gojong of the Korean Empire

Head of state, 1897–1907

He ruled Korea until his forced abdication in 1907, as the first emperor of the Korean Empire. Gojong implemented the constitution of the country in 1898, which gave the whole authority to the emperor.

Portrait of Gojong of the Korean Empire: This photo was taken in 1907., Public domain, file

Sunjong of the Korean Empire

Head of state, 1907–1910

Sunjong was the last Korean monarch. He ascended to the throne upon the forced abdication of his father, Emperor Gojong. Sunjong has been characterized by historians as being a powerless puppet ruler of the Japanese, reigning for just three years before Korea was officially annexed in 1910.

Portrait of Sunjong of the Korean Empire: Photography by 岩田鼎, Public domain, file

Culture

Many newspapers such as Tongnip sinmun were established, promoting political awareness.
Many organizations were established, including the Independence Club.
The coronation included both Western style coronation and a traditional Asian one.

Picture

Deoksugung is a former royal palace in Seoul that was the main palace during the Korean Empire (1897-1910).

Image: 문화재청, KOGL Type 1, file

Sources

Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.