Gapsin Coup in Seoul (1884–1885)

The Gapsin Coup was a failed three-day coup d'état in Korea in 1884. Reformers in the Enlightenment Party, inspired by the Meiji Restoration, attempted to seize power with Japanese support. The coup began on December 4, 1884, at the royal palace in Seoul. Chinese intervention, led by General Yuan Shikai, suppressed the rebels and rescued King Gojong, leading to informal Chinese domination of Korea.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the Imo Incident of 1882, Korean reformers in the Enlightenment Party sought rapid changes, including abolishing yangban privileges. China reasserted suzerainty over Korea, aggravating the split between pro-Japanese progressives and pro-Chinese conservatives. The progressives, admiring the Meiji Restoration, sought to form a new government with Japanese backing, while conservatives led by Queen Min relied on the Chinese garrison.

Coup Execution. On December 4, 1884, the Gaehwapa staged a coup under the guise of a banquet hosted by Hong Yeong-sik. With help from Japanese minister Takezoe Shinichiro, they seized the royal palace and killed pro-Chinese conservatives. Kim Ok-gyun approached King Gojong, falsely claiming Chinese troops caused a disturbance, and escorted him to the Gyoengu Palace under Japanese guard.

Intervention and Aftermath. The new government failed quickly as the progressives were supported by only 140 Japanese troops against 1,500 Chinese garrisoned in Seoul under Yuan Shikai. Yuan thwarted the coup in 1885 and was appointed Chinese imperial resident. The event led to informal Chinese domination of Korea from 1885 to 1894.

People involved

Sources

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