Korea under Japanese rule

Quick Facts: Who was Korea under Japanese rule?

Subject:

Korea under Japanese rule

Known for:

Period of Japanese colonial rule over Korea (Chōsen), 1910–1945.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

From 1910 to 1945, Korea was ruled by the Empire of Japan as a colony under the name Chōsen (朝鮮), the Japanese reading of "Joseon". Japan first took Korea into its sphere of influence during the late 1800s. Both Korea (Joseon) and Japan had been under policies of isolationism, with Joseon being a tributary state of Qing China. However, in 1854, Japan was forcibly opened by the United States. It then rapidly modernized under the Meiji Restoration, while Joseon continued to resist foreign attempts to open it up.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Japan eventually succeeded in forcefully opening Joseon with the unequal Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876. Afterwards, Japan embarked on a decades-long process of defeating its local rivals, securing alliances with Western powers, and asserting its influence in Korea. Japan assassinated the defiant Korean queen and intervened in the Donghak Peasant Revolution. After Japan defeated China in the 1894–1895 First Sino–Japanese War, Joseon became nominally independent and declared the short-lived Korean Empire. Japan defeated Russia in the 1904–1905 Russo-Japanese War, making it the sole regional power.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Japan acted quickly to fully absorb Korea. It first made Korea a protectorate under the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905, and ruled the country indirectly through the Japanese Resident-General of Korea. After forcing Emperor Gojong to abdicate in 1907, Japan formally annexed Korea with the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910. For decades it administered the territory by its appointed Governor-General of Chōsen, who was based in Keijō (Seoul). Japan made sweeping changes in Korea.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1854: 1854 Milestone — However, in 1854, Japan was forcibly opened by the United States.
2. 1876: 1876 Milestone — Japan eventually succeeded in forcefully opening Joseon with the unequal Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876.
3. 1894: 1894 Milestone — After Japan defeated China in the 1894–1895 First Sino–Japanese War, Joseon became nominally independent and declared the short-lived Korean Empire.
4. 1904: 1904 Milestone — Japan defeated Russia in the 1904–1905 Russo-Japanese War, making it the sole regional power.
5. 1905: 1905 Milestone — It first made Korea a protectorate under the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905, and ruled the country indirectly through the Japanese Resident-General of Korea.
6. 1907: 1907 Milestone — After forcing Emperor Gojong to abdicate in 1907, Japan formally annexed Korea with the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910.
7. 1910: 1910 Milestone — From 1910 to 1945, Korea was ruled by the Empire of Japan as a colony under the name Chōsen (朝鮮), the Japanese reading of "Joseon".

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Korea under Japanese rule

True or False: “The initial period of Japanese influence in Korea was marked by peaceful trade agreements and mutual respect between the two nations.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Japan's early involvement was characterized by forceful treaties, such as the unequal Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876, which occurred under duress.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Korea under Japanese rule