Korean Empire

The Korean Empire (Daehan Jeguk, Hangul: 대한제국; Hanja: 大韓帝國) was established in 1897 and lasted between until 1910. It was the last time Korea was unified and independent. The empire was established when King Gojong declared himself “Emperor” of Korea  .^[1] After the First Sino-Japanese War, Korea was no longer a Chinese tributary state. In 1907 Korea became a Japanese protectorate, then was annexed in 1910 by Japan as the province of Josean.^[1] Korea became a Japanese colony until 1945. Then after the Korean War it split.

Korean Empire Daehan Jeguk 대한제국 (Hangul) 大韓帝國 (Hanja)
1897–1910
Flag Imperial Seal
Motto: 광명천지 光明天地 "Let the land be enlightened"
Anthem: 대한제국 애국가 大韓帝國愛國歌 "Patriotic Hymn of the Great Korean Empire"
Capital	Hanseong
Demonym(s)	Korean
Establishment	History
• Gojong became an emperor	1897
• Protectorate of Japan	1907
• Full annexation	1910
Preceded by Succeeded by Joseon Choson
Today part of	North Korea, South Korea

History

1904-1905

After First Sino-Japanese War, the Russia Empire and Japanese Empire fought for the control of Korea Peninsula. Eventually, the Russo-Japanese War occured. The Russia Empire was defeated by the Empire of Japan that was supported by the United Kingdom. Then, the Korea Empire's neutrality was threaten by the Japanese Empire.^[2] At the Russo-Japanese War, the British Empire and the United States viewed on Korea's peace was not important more than the Russia's expansion.^[3] In addition, the international views on a Korea Penisula was changed. The Japanese Empire's forces got stronger as the time pass. Korea's unequal treaties were hidden and ignored.^[4][5]