Patrick McMurry

Analysis of Koreas Responses to the West

During the 19th century Korea was just coming out of its reformative era alongside a lack
of central authority among new kings after the death of King Chongjo. Corruption was rampant
all the way to local administrations leading to a few violent rebellions throughout the century.
This time turmoil was further enhanced by the arrival of the West, or the Europeans whose
society, philosophies, and behaviors were vastly different from Koreas own. While Korea had
stuck to its own sphere of influence, rarely expanding outside of the Korean peninsula, and
continuing to stay put in this time; Europe was doing quite the opposite. Rich in knowledge,
resources, and strength; Westerns powers of the era were rapidly expanding their empires
physically and economically. European nations sought to access every trade opportunity they
could due to rapidly expanding quantities of goods in the midsts of the Industrial Revolution.
Korea was no exception and in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century Western
powers made contact with Korea and sought to access the nation with force if necessary, which
proved that case on multiple accounts.
Europeans did not merely bring physical goods to Korea, but they also brought a new
religion and new ideas. A religion that was vastly different from the established philosophies of
Confucianism and Buddhism, and cultural ideas that differed from the Chinese-centric culture of
Korea. And as most societies do, especially outside of the modern era, these differing ideas
were viewed with hostility. Primarily Confucian scholars saw Catholicism and Western Culture as
a threat to their society and philosophy. Most scholars adamantly opposed this new religion,
leading to two separate and noteworthy persecution of converts in Korea. While many aspects of
Catholic and Confucian teachings were similar, the reason and inspiration behind them were
vastly different. Confucian culture focused on orderly human nature and enlightened actions
where as Catholicism had focus on good acts in hopes of a reward which was insulting to
Confucian scholars.
With the influence of Confucianism on Koreas government and society it was natural that
the government would react negatively. European ideals threatened the culture and society of
Korea that had been long established and based on China. Furthermore, the Wests tendency to
exploit trade as much as they could during this time of Imperialism meant the Korean
government and economy were threatened as well. Where once Korea was a major power in the
East able to hold off the strongest of armies China could field, they were now minuscule to vast
empires conquering the world. And Koreas attempts to hold back this foreign influence was
naturally met with hostility and two separate foreign invasions by France and the United States.
While unfortunate for Korea and the longstanding culture they established, these events in
history seem only natural when vastly expansive and Imperialistic nations collide with a more
isolated and stagnant nation like Korea during the time.