Korea (1800–1870)

In the 19th century Korea was ruled by the Joseon dynasty, which followed a strict closed-door policy and limited contacts with foreigners. Discontent grew over official abuses, taxes and famine; in 1811–1812 a large rebellion was led by Hong Gyeong-nae, and peasant revolts recurred afterwards. At this time European missionaries began entering Korea, the Catholic community grew and a separate diocese was set up in 1831. In 1863, when the young King Gojong took the throne, his father Heungseon Daewongun became regent and pursued a firm closed-door policy. In 1866 the government carried out a persecution of the Catholic community; France sent a punitive expedition, but the Korean army forced it to withdraw, and the American ship “General Sherman” incident also occurred that year.