This site underscores the pivotal role played by foreigners in shaping Korean history and honors their often overlooked contributions to the modernization of Korea (Joseon) during the late 1800s. Despite Korea's initial resistance to Western powers and its isolationist stance, which hindered progress compared to neighboring Japan, the nation gradually embraced Western modernization, largely owing to the dedicated efforts of various missionaries and doctors from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Our initiative focuses on delving into this historical era, drawing insights from letters penned by missionaries and doctors in the late 1800s. Specifically, we are engaged in a project aimed at meticulously documenting records exclusively preserved in photographs and computerized documents. This digitization effort enables convenient and accessible searches at any time. While this undertaking demands considerable time and dedication, our objective is to bring to light the concealed endeavors of foreigners in Korean history, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary relationships through an exploration of the past.

Homer Hulbert was an American missionary and scholar who played a significant role in promoting Korean independence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the founder of the Korean Language School and the Christian literature society, he contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Korean language and culture. Hulbert's missionary work and advocacy for Korean independence left a lasting impact on the country's history and its struggle for autonomy.

Hulbert's efforts on Arirang started from a small curiosity. On October 17, 1886, four months after coming to Korea, he sent a letter to his sister and brother in the United States, drawing the Arirang melody sung by the kids next door on the staff. Lyrics ‘Ara rung ara rung a radio a ra urison a radia (a ra rung a ra rung a radio a ra urison a radia)… ' was also written. This letter has been stored on microfilm at the Cheonan Independence Hall, and the whereabouts of the original are unknown. However, through the efforts of Kim Yeon-gap (61), executive director of the Hankyoreh Arirang Association, it was recently confirmed that it was stored at a university in Seoul.  (https://cm.asiae.co.kr/article/2015091512304512646)

Hulbert criticizes the U.S. for betraying the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Amity between the two countries signed in 1882 and turning a blind eye to the Japan-Korea Treaty. The bloody scream of an American missionary buried in Korea in 1949, appealing for the independence of the Korean Empire. Writing the first modern Korean textbook... Assisted Seo Jae-pil in publishing the English version of ‘The Independent’ Commemorative Business Association reveals delivery route for Hague special envoy… Emperor Gojong → Hulbert → Lee Hoi-yeong → Lee Sang-seol

Source: Overseas Korean Newspaper (http://www.dongponews.net)

I review of the present educational situation in Korea. I may say in preface that this subject was not of my own schooling but was --- by the very excellent Secretary of the association. Wheter in doing this he thought to add to the interest of the metting. or to arouse discussing, to stir sleeping dogs, or what, I am not sure. But my discussion of points of interest difference represents no opinions but t won, so that it may need  not be taken too seriously by any who may not agree with me. 

Aside from the statistion of the year, and some attempt to analyse then I know of but tow subject that are of my particular interest, and a discussion of which may be of value to those not in close touch with them. The first various matters whcih realte to application of the Revised Educational 

 Exception on the new basis. There was a similar case I believe in South Kyong Sanh also. Regarding new schools we asked if it would not be possible to permit religious instruction as an optional course in the curriculum. We pointed out that this would meet the Governments purpose of putting school privileges with a uniform course of study within the reach of all students without compelling any to accept religious instruction distasteful to them or their parents; at the same time it would enable Christian Missons to fulfill their purpose of giving religious instruction to the children of Christion parents, and not require them to conduct schools wholly secular. Mr.Usami replied that the Ordinance applied not only to Christian schools but to private schools, and any rule or exception made would have to apply to all. Therefore if the Bible were permitted in Christian schools even as an optional course they would have to grant to all other religious organization conducting schools similar privileges. This would result in many places in a number if small weak schools instead if one strong one, and thus the aim of the Ordinance would be defeated. Therefore it could not be granted even as an optional course of study. Our end, he thought, could be accomplished through the Sunday Schools and Churches.

 In the third place we were informed with regard to the new college in Seoul that while it was operating temporarily on the old Wells college permit, this was wholly temporary, while it was organizing, with the under-standing that it was to organize on its own permit which would be under the Revised Ordinance. Mr.Usami said that when Dr. Goucher was here, in his interview with the authorities he had agreed to this, and he understood position to be the same; adding, that with this understanding “with such men from America he thought it strange that there should be any question in the minds of any of the Missionaries”.

 Mr. Usami also stated that the authorities looked forward to compulsory education in Chosen as in Japan. This however would probably apply only to the Primary grades.

 8. Considerable interest was manifested during the year concerning

Worded by Cherry Shin

"... regarding joint correspondence and the application of the Ordinance around the time of Dr. Speers' visit. An order was issued stating that while it was not permitted to add religious teachings to the regular course of study in schools, nor was it allowed to give instruction in religion as part of the curriculum, there was no objection to using school buildings for religious purposes, such as prayers or religious services. However, it was emphasized that such use should not interfere with the regular operation of the school.

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES 

OF AMERICA

Seoul, Korea, February 2, 1904

Dear Captain Marshall:

Mr. Higgins has just handed me your letters and I am glad to find that you understand about my not returning your call. I have desired greatly to do so and have decided to go down, but when the morning has come it has brought me telegrams or something to prevent. I will get down to see you one of these days.

 I am sorry to hear you are under the weather. I hope you will soon recover and if you can come up at any time, we will be delighted to see you and will do our best to make you comfortable.

 As to the Admiral’s telegram, I have told Mr. Higgins he may telephone you that I see no necessity for an increase of the guard. With 100 men here we could almost take the city. At any rate we can protect ourselves in any ordinary event, and if worst should come to worst, we can always fall back on the Japanese, upon whom really devolves the preservation of the peace of the city. Reports from Tokio look like peace and then again like war, with the strongest indications of some sort of peace,

 I thank you very much for bring up my coal. As it is Government coal I presume it was a proper thing to do.

Worked by Cherry Shin

March 9, 1919

To  Anchagho Korean, Sanfransisco

Korean National Independace Union Composed of three million people

including ghree thousant Christian Churches five thousand churches of heaven worshippers all colleges schools other dobies declared independace of Korea one PM march first at Seoul Pyongyang other cities we sent delagate repesentatives sonpyunghi pheesangohai Kilaunohu where Mr. Rhee answer.

Hyunsoon Special Representive Shanghai.

Dear Sir :

The Korean National Association hands you herewith a copy of the proclamation of Korean Idependace of  March 1, 1919, issued at Seoul, korea, and a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Japanese Dplomacy and Force in Korea".

The Korean National Association, with a membership if 1,500,000 and representing 20,000,000 of Koreans in and out of Korea, sppeals to you for your sympathy and support in the struggle for liberty, justice and freedom now being waged by the Korean people. 

The independence of Korea was lost through the violation of most solenm treaty obligations on the part of Japan and in defiance of the wished and aspirations of the Korean people.

japan has pursued in Korea a ploicy of ruthless suppression - economic, political and religious - with the avowed determination of exterminating the Koreans as a distinct people and of amalgamating them with the japanese. The suppresiion of the Korean language has been sttempted by forbidding its teaching/ Thousnads of aeres of the best land in Kore have been appreopriated to Japan's use in fraud of the rights of Korean owners. Participation in government has been denied and the religious convictions of the Korean have been violated through compelling them to worship the spirit of the Japanese Emperor. 

Korea demands justice under a new world order and presents her case to the world in the hopeand conviction that justice will be done her. Sooner or later, Korean must be free.