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Busan Metropolitan City Publishes Gukyeok Joseon Samuseo (6), a Translation of Diplomatic Documents from the Port-Opening Period

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□ Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced the publication of Gukyeok Joseon Samuseo (6), Volume 33 of the Busan Historical Materials Series and the latest Korean translation of historical records related to Busan.

○ Busan Metropolitan City has been carrying out the Busan Historical Materials Series publication project, which translates and introduces historical sources related to premodern Busan, in order to systematically build a foundation of primary materials for research on Busan’s history and strengthen the research base.

○ The newly published Gukyeok Joseon Samuseo (6) is a translation of Volumes 17 through 20 of Joseon Samuseo, a collection of diplomatic documents concerning Joseon that was organized and compiled by the Japanese Consulate General in Busan, which was established in Busan following the opening of the port.

○ The Korean translation project for Joseon Samuseo is being undertaken as a nine-volume series and is scheduled for completion in 2029.

□ Joseon Samuseo is a comprehensive collection of Korea-Japan diplomatic documents written by officials associated with the Japanese trading post around the time Korea opened its ports. It is an important historical source for understanding the diplomatic relations and negotiations between the two countries at the time.

○ Following the conclusion of the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1876 in February 1876 and the establishment of the Japanese Consulate General in Busan, the need arose to systematically organize Korea-Japan diplomatic documents. Accordingly, the Japanese Consulate General in Busan collected reports prepared by officials responsible for diplomatic affairs at the Japanese trading post from 1867 to 1874, along with reports and instructions exchanged with officials of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and directives issued by the Dajokan, and organized them chronologically into a 29-volume collection.

○ Joseon Samuseo contains materials illustrating Dongnae-bu’s policies toward Japan and changes in diplomatic issues. These records provide a detailed view of Busan’s external relations and the development of its local history around the port-opening period, giving them significant historical value for understanding Busan’s historical standing and the history of Korea-Japan diplomacy.

□ Gukyeok Joseon Samuseo (6) contains diplomatic documents dating from 1872 through April 1873, providing information on such matters as visits to Joseon by Japanese diplomats, their duties at Choryanggwan, and trade-related information concerning Joseon.

○ Two specialists in modern international relations participated in the Korean translation of the volume, while two scholars specializing in history reviewed the translation to enhance its accuracy and overall quality. The publication also includes an expert commentary to help readers understand the materials and shed light on their historical significance.

□ Gukyeok Joseon Samuseo (6) is available for anyone to view at public libraries in Busan and can be downloaded from the Busan Metropolitan City website at https://www.busan.go.kr under About Busan > History of Busan > Busan Local History Library, or from the website of the Busan Metropolitan City History Compilation Committee at https://bssisa.com.

□ Jo Yu-jang, Director-General of the Culture Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “Busan Metropolitan City is continuing the Busan Historical Materials Series publication project, which translates and compiles historical sources related to premodern Busan, in order to systematically establish primary materials for research on Busan’s history and bring renewed attention to the historical value of local history.”

He added, “We hope that the newly published Gukyeok Joseon Samuseo (6) will help deepen understanding of the history of Busan Port around the port-opening period and the history of Korea-Japan exchanges, while also bringing renewed attention to Busan’s historical significance.”