Gangwhamun Gate Through Changing Times The Japanese Colonial Period Through Photographs I Royal Documents Capture End of an Empire

This is an photo of Emperor Gojong in mourning dress, worn when his father, Regent Heungseon, passed away. Heungseon, who sequestered himself away in Unhyeon-gung Palace following the assassination of Queen Myeongseong (a.k.a. Queen Min), passed on at the age of 79. During his seclusion, he tried to set up a meeting with Gojong through his eldest son, Jae-myoeng, but Gojong refused to see him. Gojong believed his father conspired in having his queen assassinated, and hence refused to prey before his coffin. (Photo taken in 1898)

Remembrance photo taken after the signing of the Protectorate Treaty of 1904, which established a Japanese protectorate over Korea.

Emperor Sunjong, accompanied by Japanese Resident General Ito Hirobumi, made a tour of the south in 1909, starting in Seoul and visiting Daegu, Busan, and Masan. On the sides of the road, you can see people standing around and Japanese flags. Dr. Lee Myoeng-hwa of the Korean Independence Movement Research Center said, "There have been photos released of Sunjong making a tour of the northwestern provinces, but as far as I know, this is the first photo of Sujong touring the southern provinces." (Photo taken on Jan. 7, 1909)

Japanese lived in this area, and dealt in shoes, Western suits, and other things. Western things like cafes and restaurants become objects of Koreans' curiosity.

This is how Incheon Harbor looked at the beginning of the 20th century. The island in the background is Wolmi-do. (Photo taken in 1907)