Abstract

As a result of the relaxation of the self-isolation policy of the Korean state, the Ganghwa treaty with Japan was signed in 1876. In the same year, the "Rules for trade" and the "Additional articles for the 1876 Treaty" were signed as well, which gave Japanese citizens exterritoriality, opened ports for trade with Japan, allowed them to rent land and more. The American-Korean treaty of peace, friendship, trade and navigation of 1882, the British-Korean (1883), German-Korean (1883), French-Korean (1886) and Russian-Korean (1884) treaties were signed as well, all with similar provisions. When signing agreements with the Korean state, Western countries such as Germany, USA, England etc. applied to China for a letter of recommendation. However, Russia followed a different strategy. Russian diplomat K. I. Veber, authorized to negotiate with the Korean government and sign the Russian-Korean treaty, negotiated directly with King Gojong. South Korean historiographers have different opinions regarding the above treaties signed by Korea with the Western powers.

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