Abstract
The introduction of West-inspired postal system to Chosŏn society that commenced in early 1880s is regarded as one of the very first steps in the process of modernization in late Chosŏn Korea. The very first postal directorate Ujŏngch'ongguk 郵征總局 was established in 1884, more than a year earlier that the telegraph office.
The beginning of modern postal services in Korean history is associated mainly with Kapsin coup 甲申政變 which took place in early December 1884, often overlooking the initial, considerably major intentions of Chosŏn government. Korean government officials were inspired by Japan and USA who already successfully implemented state-operated modern postal system.
Due to the coup staged by impatient members of radically progresive party Kähwadang 開化黨, postal services ended up suspended and it took another decade before they were resumed. The starting point of relevant research thus begins with so called Kabo reforms 甲午改革.
Information on this topic can be found partially in Chosŏn wangjo sillok 朝鮮王朝實錄, official regulations and agreements, but also in records of foreign missionaries who resided in Korea at the time. The aim of this paper is to explore the implementation process of modern postal services in Chosŏn kingdom focusing on the last years of the 19th century while considering the historical background and various foreign influences and further inquire into the available extant primary and secondary sources of the time relevant to this topic, both Korean and non-Korean.
By going through and comparing the content of sources such as official documents, periodicals and personal records, I will elaborate on the actual utility, accessibility and perception of postal services and workers at the time from the perspective of the then Korean government and society, foreign residents and visitors. Considering limitations of this paper, I will pay attention especially to postal regulations, social status and hierarchy of postal employees, their responsibilities, working conditions, postal facilities, tools etc.