Kapsin Coup

Quick Facts: Who was Kapsin Coup?

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Kapsin Coup

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A failed 1884 Korean coup d'état by reformers seeking rapid modernization.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Kapsin Coup, also known as the Kapsin Revolution, was a failed three-day coup d'état that occurred in Korea during 1884. Korean reformers in the Enlightenment Party sought to initiate rapid changes within the country, including eliminating social distinctions by abolishing the legal privileges of the yangban class. The coup d'état attempt, with Japanese support, began on December 4, 1884, with seizure of the royal palace Changdeokgung in Seoul and the killing of several members of the pro-Chinese conservative faction. However, the coup was eventually suppressed by a Chinese garrison stationed in the country. Thwarted by the Chinese actions, some of the pro-Japanese faction leaders found exile in Japan.

Career & Major Achievements

The event led to informal Chinese domination of Korea from 1885 to 1894. Within the Joseon court, Chinese influence grew particularly under the Resident-General Yuan Shikai. After the Imo Incident of 1882, early reform efforts in Korea suffered a major setback. The aftermath of the event also brought the Chinese into the country where they began to directly interfere in Korean internal affairs, undertaking several initiatives to gain significant influence over the Korean government. A Korean historian stated that "the Chinese government began to turn its former tributary state into a semi-colony and its policy towards Korea substantially changed to a new imperialistic one where the suzerain state demanded certain privileges in her vassal state".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On October 4, 1882, the Korean government signed a new set of trade regulations with the China–Korea Treaty of 1882 that permitted Chinese merchants to trade in Korea and gave them substantial advantages over the Japanese and Westerners, the regulations also granted the Chinese unilateral extraterritoriality privileges in civil and criminal cases. Although it allowed Koreans reciprocally to trade in Beijing the agreement was not a treaty but was in effect issued as a regulation for a vassal, it also reasserted Korea's dependency on China. In December, two high-level offices, the Oeamun (Foreign Office) and the Naeamun (Home Office) were established. The Oeamun dealt with foreign affairs and trade while the Naeamun was responsible for military matters and internal affairs. At the recommendation of the Chinese two advisors were appointed to the foreign office: the German Paul Georg von Möllendorff who had served in the Chinese Maritime Customs Service and the Chinese diplomat Ma Jianzhong.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1882: 1882 Milestone — After the Imo Incident of 1882, early reform efforts in Korea suffered a major setback.
2. 1884: 1884 Milestone — The Kapsin Coup, also known as the Kapsin Revolution, was a failed three-day coup d'état that occurred in Korea during 1884.
3. 1885: 1885 Milestone — The event led to informal Chinese domination of Korea from 1885 to 1894.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kapsin Coup

True or False: “The Kapsin Coup was the first major attempt to abolish the legal privileges of the yangban class in Korean history.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it aimed at abolishing privileges, earlier reform efforts and political shifts preceded this specific coup attempt.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Belyaev — Historical peer (Born in 1884) (1884): Pioneering Soviet science fiction writer, known as 'Russia's Jules Verne'
• Alexander Bustamante — Historical peer (Born in 1884) (1884): Pioneering Jamaican politician, labor leader, and first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica.
• Agustín Barrios — Historical peer (Born in 1885) (1885): Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, celebrated for his prolific works.
• Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah — Historical peer (Born in 1885) (1885): Tenth ruler of the Sheikhdom of Kuwait, governing from 1921 until 1950.
• Adolphe Sax — Historical peer (Died in 1894) (1894): Belgian inventor who created the saxophone and revolutionized wind instruments.
• Albert Facey — Historical peer (Born in 1894) (1894): Australian writer and World War I veteran, best known for 'A Fortunate Life'.
• A. A. Milne — Historical peer (Born in 1882) (1882): Celebrated English author, famed for Winnie-the-Pooh and children's literature.
• Abd el-Krim — Historical peer (Born in 1882) (1882): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.

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