---
node: korean_empire
type: period
slug: korean_empire
title: "Korean Empire"
lead: "The Korean Empire, proclaimed by Gojong in 1897, declared full sovereignty and pursued modernization. Japan took control after 1905 and annexed Korea in August 1910."
published: 2026-07-09
updated: 2026-07-09
---

## Overview

Gojong's Daehan Jeguk was a declaration of full sovereignty and a modernization drive. The Gwangmu reforms built infrastructure, schools, and a modern army.

## Key developments

The empire's independence was crushed between great powers. After the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05, the November 1905 protectorate treaty (the Eulsa Treaty) transferred Korea's foreign affairs to Japan, and a Japanese Resident-General took control; Korea has long held the treaty invalid as coerced.

Gojong's secret emissaries to the 1907 Hague Peace Conference were refused a hearing. Japan then forced his abdication and disbanded the Korean army in 1907, fueling the "righteous armies" resistance.

## End and transition

The annexation treaty of August 1910 ended Korean statehood for 35 years.