The Hoseo Bank and the Korean Banking Bushiness under Japanese Rule

Abstract

The Hoseo Bank, established in 1913 and owned by Korean, was very interesting bank in various sense. The bank played very important role in financing the businesses of North-western area of the Chungnam Province. The founders were the big landlords and merchandisers who were impressed by the patriotic enlightenment movement at the beginning of the 20th century. Even though the bank was the local bank, it showed more outstanding performances in safety, profitability, productivity, and growth than the big banks in Seoul area.<BR> Thanks to the Hoseo Bank, the local businesses were financed timely, and as a results, good companies including the Chungnam Silk-reeling Co. were shown in that area.<BR> However, the local economy was badly influenced by the Great Depression in 1929 and the bank could not survive the difficulties. The bank was merged into the Hanil Bank in 1931 and the name was changed to the Dongil Bank.