Abstract

In this article, after the Joseon government enacted ‘Temporary Regulations for the Prevention of the Introduction of Infectious Diseases at the Corean Treaty ports in 1887’(朝鮮通商口防備瘟疫暫設章程), it reviewed the revised requirements that emerged in the process of operating the rules at the treaty ports. These ports were the primary gateways to manage and control the movement of people and materials using ships. The key issues were how to develop quarantine activities to prevent infectious disease, and how to cooperate with each country. In particular, the parties that had the greatest interests in quarantine issues were Joseon and Japan. The two countries ironed out their positions in establishing and operating quarantine regulations on several occasions. As time went by since the enforcement of the temporary quarantine regulations, the need to arrange operational suppplement arouse. The Japanese consuls in Wonsan and Busan presented their opinions on the matters that need to be improved in the future. These issues included the management of supervision between the Joseon Maritime Customs officer and the quarantine committee member of the local area, the expansion of the number of quarantine members, and how to deal with the expenses of moving patients from the ship to a Cholera hospital and treating them after entering the port. Konsuke Hayashi(林權助), the Japanese Consul residing in Incheon, said, “The quarantine inspections being carried out by the Joseon government are not very effective”, expressing discontent and distrust over the operation and insisting that the quarantine regulations should be newly enacted to suit Japan’s interests. To improve the problem, the Japanese minister resident Teisuke Kajiyama(梶山鼎介) collected opinions from the consuls and prepared a revised version of the quarantine regulations based on the suggestions. However, the revision of the regulation required consultations and consent of foreign diplomats, as well as officials of Joseon government. Therefore, the negotiations for the revision did not go as easily as Japan had intended.

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