Gabo Reform
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| Gabo Reform | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 갑오 개혁 |
| Hanja | 甲午改革 |
| Revised Romanization | Gabo Gaehyeok |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kabo Kaehyŏk |
The Gabo Reform describes a series of sweeping reforms introduced in Joseon Dynasty Korea beginning in 1894 and ending in 1896, during the reign of King Gojong, in response to the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Historians debate the degree of Japanese influence in this program, as well as its effect in encouraging modernization. The name Gabo (갑오, 甲午) comes from the name of the year 1894 in the traditional Chinese sexagesimal cycle.
At the time, the ruling Joseon Dynasty was under intense pressure from outside to open up, reform, and modernize, with Russia and Japan competing for influence in the country. The Gabo Reform was largely the work of a group of pro-Japanese public officials.[citation needed]
Their policies resulted in the official discarding of the lunar calendar in favor of the modern Gregorian solar calendar, the official designation of era names independent of the Chinese tradition, and the creation of a postal service. However, these radical reforms triggered protests by many Koreans, particularly the Yangban class.
In August 1895, the Japanese and pro-Japanese officials forced the king to proclaim an order to cut off the traditional Korean male hair buns (단발령, 斷髮令). It could have caused serious repercussions, and it was surely the main cause of the Eulmi righteous army along with the Eulmi Incident, which was the assassination of Empress Myeongseong by Japanese agents.
With the assassination of his wife Empress Myeongseong, the King Gojong and the Crown Prince (Later Emperor Sunjong) fled for refuge to the Russian legation in 1896. King Gojong ordered the repeal of the Gabo Reforms. Russia quickly took the opportunity to interfere actively in domestic Korean politics, leading to the contraction of the pro-Japanese faction's influence. These years also marked the beginning of the economic exploitation of Korean natural resources by mining and timber corporations from Russia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Japan until 1897.
The main provisions of Gabo Reform
The Gabo Reform was similar to the Meiji Restoration in Japan and produced the following sweeping changes and declarations:
- Korea is a sovereign country (i.e., completely independent from China's interfere).
- Only the King (and not the Yangban elite) is to control the government.
- Those with talent are to be allowed to study.
- The army is to be established on the basis of conscription, regardless of background.
- Appointment to the government is to be based on merit alone.
- Leather working, acting, and so on are to no longer be regarded as degrading work.
- Hierarchical society (sinbun (class) system) is abolished.