The Dawn of a New Era in Korea

In the late 19th century, Korea stood at a crossroads between tradition and modernity, facing increasing pressure from foreign powers while striving to maintain its sovereignty. King Gojong, the 26th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, recognized the need for dramatic reforms to strengthen Korea’s position in the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape of East Asia. The year 1897 marked a watershed moment as Gojong embarked on a series of bold political maneuvers that would fundamentally transform Korea’s national identity and international standing.

On August 14, 1897, Gojong made his first decisive move by changing the era name to Gwangmu, signaling a break from the past and the beginning of a new chapter in Korean history. This symbolic act laid the groundwork for even more significant changes to come, as Korea sought to redefine itself in an era of imperialist expansion and regional power struggles.

The Proclamation of the Korean Empire

The most dramatic transformation occurred in October 1897, when Gojong took the unprecedented step of declaring Korea an empire and adopting the title of emperor for himself. This bold move was carefully calculated to assert Korea’s equality with neighboring China and Japan, both of which had imperial systems. The formal proclamation established the Daehan Empire (Great Korean Empire), elevating Korea’s international status at a time when imperial titles carried significant diplomatic weight.

On October 12, 1897, Gojong conducted his coronation ceremony at the Wongudan altar, a sacred site traditionally used for heaven worship ceremonies. The elaborate ritual followed Confucian traditions while incorporating new elements befitting an imperial coronation. The following day, Gojong issued a proclamation that contained the powerful phrase “to create the foundation of independence and exercise the rights of autonomy” – a clear statement of Korea’s determination to maintain its sovereignty amid foreign pressures.

The State Funeral of Empress Myeongseong

The transformation of Korea into an empire was accompanied by another significant event – the long-delayed state funeral for Empress Myeongseong (posthumously honored as “Myeongseong Hwanghu”), who had been assassinated by Japanese agents in 1895. The funeral, held on November 21-22, 1897, became an occasion for both mourning and political theater, demonstrating the new empire’s diplomatic connections and ceremonial grandeur.

Foreign diplomats played prominent roles in the funeral proceedings. At 5:30 AM on November 21, representatives from various nations including Japan’s Minister Kato, American Minister Allen, and Russian Minister Weber gathered to witness the solemn procession. The empress’s coffin, carried by 200 bearers in an elaborate palanquin, departed from Gyeongung Palace at 7 AM, flanked by Russian-style honor guards. Emperor Gojong himself was protected by Russian non-commissioned officers at each corner of his royal carriage, highlighting the growing Russian influence in Korean affairs.

The funeral procession lasted a full hour, after which Gojong received foreign diplomats at a temporary pavilion outside Inhwamun Gate. Japanese Minister Kato expressed condolences and presented a ceremonial incense burner from the Japanese imperial family, to which Gojong responded with formal gratitude, requesting that his appreciation be conveyed to the Japanese emperor. The burial ceremony took place at Hongneung in Cheongnyangni, where Gojong personally led the incense offerings at 4:30 PM.

The following day saw continued diplomatic engagements, with foreign envoys paying their respects beginning at 3:30 AM. After the final interment at 4:30 AM, Gojong again met with the assembled diplomats at 9:20 AM, expressing his gratitude for their participation in the cold weather conditions. The elaborate state funeral, conducted with full imperial honors, served not only as a belated tribute to the murdered empress but also as a demonstration of the new empire’s ceremonial sophistication and international connections.

Russian Financial Influence and Diplomatic Maneuvering

Parallel to these ceremonial developments, a significant power struggle was unfolding over control of Korea’s financial systems. Russia, seeking to expand its influence in Korea, moved to place its own advisors in key positions within the Korean government. Based on a report from Pokotilov, a Russian finance ministry official, the Russian government decided in May to dispatch K. Alexeev as a financial advisor to Seoul.

Alexeev, former head of the Russian Finance Ministry’s Customs Bureau Office, arrived in Seoul on September 25 (Old Style September 13). During his audience with Emperor Gojong, Alexeev sharply criticized the performance of John McLeavy Brown, the British national serving as Korea’s Chief Commissioner of Customs. Gojong, reportedly furious at these revelations, ordered Brown’s dismissal and instructed his foreign minister to appoint Alexeev to oversee Korea’s finances comprehensively.

However, the situation quickly became entangled in great power politics. Korean ministers, fearful of British retaliation, resisted the emperor’s orders, while Brown himself refused to resign and sought support from the British government. This standoff revealed the delicate balancing act Korea faced as it navigated between competing foreign interests.

The Russian-Korean Financial Agreement

The diplomatic impasse was partially resolved on November 5 (October 24 Old Style), when Russian Minister Weber and the Korean foreign minister signed a formal contract appointing Alexeev as financial advisor. This agreement marked a significant victory for Russian influence in Korea, though the question of customs control remained unresolved.

Russian Finance Minister Sergei Witte continued to press for Brown’s complete removal, but by December 8 (November 26 Old Style), Russian Foreign Minister Muravyov advised moderation, suggesting that Russia should be satisfied with having secured Alexeev’s appointment without pushing for complete control of the customs service. Meanwhile, the Russian government moved forward with other financial initiatives, approving the charter for a Russian-Korean bank on December 17 (December 5 Old Style) after discussion in the ministerial committee.

A Sudden Turn of Events

Just as these financial and diplomatic maneuvers seemed to be reaching a stable point, an unexpected event on December 15, 1897, dramatically altered the political landscape. While the original text does not specify the nature of this development, historical records indicate that this period saw intense competition among foreign powers for influence in Korea, with Japan particularly alarmed by Russia’s growing presence.

The Legacy of Korea’s Imperial Transformation

The events of 1897 represented a bold attempt by Gojong to strengthen Korea’s sovereignty through symbolic and institutional changes. The proclamation of empire, the elaborate state funeral, and the financial reforms all served to project an image of a modern, independent state capable of standing equal to its neighbors. However, these measures also revealed Korea’s precarious position as it became increasingly entangled in great power rivalries.

The Russian financial mission, while initially successful in gaining influence, ultimately contributed to regional tensions that would erupt in the Russo-Japanese War just a few years later. The Korean Empire’s bold assertions of independence would be severely tested in the coming decades as imperialist pressures intensified.

The year 1897 remains a fascinating case study in the strategies small nations employed to navigate the treacherous waters of late 19th century imperialism. Korea’s transformation into an empire demonstrated both the creative adaptation of traditional institutions to modern challenges and the limitations of symbolic gestures in the face of overwhelming geopolitical forces. These events continue to resonate in contemporary understandings of Korean identity and the nation’s complex historical relationship with its neighbors and the wider world.