고종의 경운궁 환궁과 러시아･일본 외교관의 시선

Abstract

The negotiations between Russia and Japan proceeded as the organization of the Joseon army and Gojong''s return to the Palace came together during the period of Agwan Pacheon. After Gojong''s return to the Palace, the issue of training Korean troops over the protection of his personal affairs was a diplomatic issue. Russia insisted that it could carry out the organization of the Korean army on its own. Japan insisted that the Russo-Japanese jointly carry out the organization of the Korean Army. Eventually, the Russian Military Instructor arrived in October 1896 and selected 800 elite troops. Gojong was able to return to Gyeongwoong Palace in February 1897 when the Russian Palace Guard was organized. At that time, there were various views of Gojong''s return to the Palace. Americans in Korea found that Gojong''s return to the Palace was consistent with the goals of the pro-Japanese and the place of safety. In fact, Gyeongwoong Palace was immediately adjacent to the US legation, Russian legation and British Consulate General. Gojong was able to expect help from foreigners in Korea when faced with a crisis in the Jeongdong foreign area. If Gojong are in a hurry, Gojong can escape to Russian and US construction officials. Kato, Japanese minister, argued that Gojong''s return to the Palace was realized because of the Japanese government''s idiomatic Korean strategy. The Russian documents differed in the view that King Gojong''s return to the Palace was related to Gojong''s cooperation with Russia, or Gojong''s unilateral action. In the end, Gojong''s return to the Palace was decided by the Joseon government''s subjective will. In February 1897, Gojong began the process of resolving the conflict between Russia and Japan and pursuing independent nations after Joseon Dynasty. Above all, Gojong''s return to the Palace was linked to the future political activities of the Korean Empire and the Emperor.