Korean-American Relations

This first volume in a three-part series examines the early period of Korean-American diplomatic relations, spanning from 1883, when the first U.S. representative arrived in Seoul, to 1886. During this initial phase, the United States played a unique role as a "neutral" presence amidst the power struggles between China, Japan, Russia, and England, with Korea at the heart of Northeast Asia's geopolitical contests. Drawing extensively from the archives of the U.S. Legation in Seoul, this volume offers a vivid account of American efforts to uphold the integrity of the Korean Kingdom, shedding light on the challenges and dynamics of late 19th-century diplomacy in East Asia. It captures the dispatches and memoranda of American diplomats, who, despite imperfections, often enjoyed the trust of the Korean monarchy and provided a critical perspective on the regional struggle for dominance.

The documents selected for this compilation focus on the most significant questions facing Korea during this period and are presented in their original form, preserving the idiosyncrasies of 19th-century correspondence. This meticulous approach enhances the authenticity of the record, despite its inconsistencies in spelling and grammar. Organized into thematic categories, the collection aims to illuminate the processes and impacts of U.S. diplomacy in Korea while addressing gaps in the broader historical narrative of Western influence in East Asia. This volume is an invaluable resource for scholars and general readers alike, offering insights into a pivotal era when Korea’s fate was deeply intertwined with the ambitions of global powers and the early trajectory of Korean-American relations.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1951.