Korean Empire proclaimed under Gojong (1897)

In October 1897, King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire, transforming the Joseon dynasty into a monarchical state named Daehan. This event occurred shortly after his return from internal exile in the Russian legation. Gojong became the first emperor, establishing a new regnal year called Gwangmu. The proclamation marked a significant shift in political status, though the dynasty itself continued under imperial framing.

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Background and detail

Background. Following the First Sino-Japanese War, Japan expanded its influence over the Korean government. In February 1896, Gojong fled to the Russian legation in Seoul for internal exile. Russian instructors trained guards, enabling his return to the palace in February 1897. This period of instability and foreign influence set the stage for the proclamation of the empire.

Proclamation. Gojong proclaimed the establishment of the independent Korean Empire in October 1897. He was crowned in Hwangudan, a newly constructed altar. The new empire was named Daehan, and the regnal year changed to Gwangmu, with 1897 as the first year. This act transformed the Joseon dynasty into an imperial state, with Gojong as its first emperor.

Legacy. The proclamation marked a transformation of the Joseon dynasty rather than its end. Gojong ruled as the first emperor of the Korean Empire, continuing the monarchical lineage. The empire lasted until the Japanese annexation in 1910. The event established a new political framework, though the dynasty itself persisted under the imperial title.

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