Joseon missions to Japan represent a crucial aspect of the international relations of mutualJoseon-Japanese contacts and communication.[1] In sum, these serial diplomatic ventures illustrate the persistence of Joseon'skyorin (neighborly relations) diplomacy from 1392 to 1910.[citation needed]
The chronology of one side in a bilateral relationship stands on its own. This long-term, strategic policy contrasts with thesadae (serving the great) diplomacy which characterized the Joseon-Chinese relations in this same period.[2]
The unique nature of these bilateral diplomatic exchanges evolved from a conceptual framework developed by the Chinese. Gradually, the theoretical model would be modified. The changing model mirrors the evolution of a unique relationship between two neighboring states.[3] In the 20th century, Joseon's neighborly relations diplomacy failed.
General Yi Sŏng-gye (posthumously known asTaejo of Joseon) established the "Kingdom of Great Joseon" in 1392–1393, and he founded theYi dynasty which would retain power on the Korean peninsula for five hundred years. An early achievement of the new monarch was improved relations with China; and indeed, Joseon had its origin in General Yi's refusal to attack China in response to raids from Chinese bandits.[4] The Joseon foreign policy would evolve from pre-existing foundations. For example,Goryeo envoyChŏng Mong-ju travelled to Japan in 1377;[5] and the consequences of his efforts were only seen later.
As an initial step, a diplomatic mission was dispatched to Japan in 1402. The Joseon envoy sought to bring about the re-establishment of amicable relations between the two countries and he was charged to commemorate the good relations which existed in ancient times. This mission was successful, andshōgunAshikaga Yoshimitsu was reported to have been favorably impressed by this initial embassy.[6] Subsequent missions developed and nurtured the contacts and exchanges between the two neighboring countries.
Not less than 70 diplomatic missions were dispatched from the Joseon capital to Japan before the beginning of Japan'sEdo period.[7] A diplomatic mission conventionally consisted of three envoys—the main envoy, the vice-envoy, and a document official. Also included were one or more official writers or recorders who created a detailed account of the mission.[8] Artists were also included in the diplomatic delegation.
Reciprocal missions were construed as a means of communication between Korean kings and Japaneseshōguns of almost equal ranking. The emperors of Japan at the time were figureheads with no actual political or military power;[9][10] the actual political and military rulers of Japan with whom Joseon communicated were the shoguns who were represented asTycoon of Japan in most foreign communications in order to avoid the conflict with theSinocentric world order in which theemperor of China was the highest authority, and all rulers of tributary states were known as "kings".[11]
The history of Joseon Korea's diplomacy with Japan can be parsed in four parts: (a) before the Japanese invasions in 1592–1598; (b) in the context of the invasion; (c) after the invasion; and (d) in modern times.
The Joseon diplomatic contacts and communication with Japan encompassed formal embassies to theMuromachi bakufu.[12] Joseon diplomacy also included the more frequent and less formal exchanges with the Japanesedaimyo (feudal lord) ofTsushima Island.
In addition, trade missions between merchants of the area were commonplace. For example, more than 60 trade missions per year marked the period from 1450 through 1500.[13]
| Year | Sender | Joseon chief envoy | Japaneseshōgun | Official purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1392 | Taejo | – ? | Ashikaga Yoshimitsu | Re-establishment of amicable relations between the two countries, remembering good relations which existed in ancient times[14] |
| 1398 | Taejo | Pak Ton-ji.[15] | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | Response envoys; and seeking help in suppression of pirate fleets, calledwaegu (왜구) in Korean orwakō (倭寇) in Japanese,Ōuchi Yoshihiro let him visit andAshikaga Yoshimitsu, the retired shōgun, sent him a letter with presents[12] |
| 1404 | Taejong | Yŏ Ŭison[12] | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | Response envoys[16] |
| 1406 | Taejong | Yun Myŏng[12] | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | Response envoys[12] |
| 1410 | Taejong | Yang Su[17] | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | Response envoys; conveying condolences on the death of Yoshimitsu;[12] and offering to send a copy of a rare Buddhist text.[18] |
| 1413 | Taejong | Bak Bun? | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | –? |
| 1420 | Sejong | Song Hŭigyŏng[12] | Ashikaga Yoshimochi | Response envoys[12] |
| 1423 | Sejong | Pak Hŭichung[19] | Ashikaga Yoshikazu | Response envoys;[12] and transporting a copy of a rare Buddhist text.[20] |
| 1424 | Sejong | Pak An-sin[12] | Ashikaga Yoshikazu | Response envoys[12] |
| 1428 | Sejong | Pak Sŏ-saeng[12] | Ashikaga Yoshinori | Condolences on the death of Yoshimochi; conveying congratulations on the succession of Yoshinori[12] |
| 1432 | Sejong | Yi Ye[21] | Ashikaga Yoshinori | Response envoys[12] |
| 1439 | Sejong | Ko Tŭkchong[12] | Ashikaga Yoshinori | Neighborly relations; and asking help in suppression of expandedwaegu (wakō) activities.[12] |
| 1443 | Sejong | Pyŏn Hyomun[22] | Ashikaga Yoshimasa | Condolences on the death of Yoshinori; and conveying congratulations on the succession of Yoshikatsu[12] |
In the 1st year of the reign of KingTaejo of Joseon, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[6]
In the 6th year of King Taejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12] Pak Tong-chi and his retinue arrived in Kyoto in the early autumn of 1398 (Ōei 5, 8th month).ShōgunAshikaga Yoshimochi presented the envoy with a formal diplomatic letter; and presents were given for the envoy to convey to the Joseon court.[23]
In the 4th year of King Taejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12]
In the 6th year of King Taejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12]
In the 10th year of King Taejong's reign, an ambassador from the Joseon court was received in Kyoto. This event in 1409 (Ōei 16, 3rd month) was considered significant.[24]
In the 13th year of King Taejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12]
In the 2nd year of the reign of KingSejong the Great, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12]
In the 5th year of King Sejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12][20]
In the 6th year of King Sejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[12]
In the 10th year of King Sejong's reign, the Joseon court dispatchedPak Sŏ-saeng as chief envoy of a mission to the shogunal court ofAshikaga Yoshinori in Japan.[12]
In the 14th year of King Sejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan.[25]
In the 21st year of King Sejong's reign, a diplomatic mission was sent to Japan. The leader of this embassy toshōgun Yoshinori wasKo Tŭk-chong.[12]
In the 25th year of King Sejong's reign, an embassy was sent to the Japanese capital.Pyŏn Hyomun was the chief envoy sent by the Joseon court.[26] The ambassador was received in Kyoto byAshikaga Yoshimasa.[12]
After the fall of the Ashikaga shogunate, the Joseon diplomatic missions to Japan were dispatched to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who emerged as an unchallenged strong man and leader after the death ofOda Nobunaga in 1582.[12] The less formal contacts with the leaders of theSō clan on Tsushima continued.
Diplomatic relations were severed in 1592 when Japanese armies invaded Joseon territory. The ruptured bilateral relations were not restored immediately after the death of Hideyoshi in 1598; the invading forces gradually withdrew from occupied land on the Korean peninsula.[27] By the end of 1598 all Japanese forces had left Korea, but relations would not be normalized until several years later, during the Tokugawa shogunate.
| Year | Sender | Joseon chief envoy | Taiko[28] | Official purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1590 | Seonjo | Hwang Yun-gil[29] | Toyotomi Hideyoshi | Congratulations on the unification of Hideyoshi[12] |
| 1596 | Seonjo | Hwang Sin[30] | Toyotomi Hideyoshi | Negotiating end of hostilities, withdrawal of invading Japanese forces.[31] |
In the 23rd year of the reign of KingSeonjo, a diplomatic mission led byHwang Yun-gil was sent by the Joseon court to Japan.[29] The Joseon ambassador was received by the Japanese leader,Toyotomi Hideyoshi.[12]
In the 29th year of King Seonjo's reign, a diplomatic mission headed byHwang Sin accompanied the Ming ambassadors who traveled to Japan.[30]
After the Japanese invaders were repulsed, Korean-Japanese diplomatic relations had to be re-established and normalized; they ultimately took on a somewhat different form than prior to 1592.[32] For starters, Japanese envoys/missions were restricted to thewaegwan in Busan and prohibited from traveling to Hanseong (present-day Seoul) by the Joseon court (as the Japanese invasion forces in 1592 used the same land route in Korea as prior Japanese missions had).[33] Further, the missions from Joseon were no longer greeted in Japan by military commanders but only diplomats. Lastly, the costs of the Korean missions were entirely paid for by the Japanese, which by some estimates equaled the Tokugawa shogunate's entire annual budget in the years that they were dispatched.[33]
The Joseon court also did not resume using the termtongsinsa for missions to Japan until the 1636 mission, as the term was only used for missions under conditions of normalized relations.[34]
| Year | Sender | Joseon chief envoy | Japaneseshōgun | Official purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1607 | Seonjo | Yŏ Ugil[35] | Tokugawa Hidetada | Responding to Japanese invitation; observation of internal Japanese political situation; repatriation of prisoners.[36] |
| 1617 | Gwanghaegun | O Yun'gyŏm[37] | Tokugawa Hidetada | Responding to Japanese invitation; congratulations on victory inSiege of Osaka; repatriation of prisoners.[38] |
| 1624 | Injo | Chŏng Ip[39] | Tokugawa Iemitsu | Responding to Japanese invitation; congratulations on succession ofshōgun Iemitsu; repatriation of prisoners.[40] |
| 1636 | Injo | Im Kwang[41] | Tokugawa Iemitsu | Celebrating prosperity.[42] |
| 1643 | Injo | Yun Sunji[43] | Tokugawa Iemitsu | Celebrating birthday ofshōgun Iemitsu.[44] |
| 1655 | Hyojong | Cho Hyŏng[45] | Tokugawa Ietsuna | Congratulations on the succession ofshōgun Ietsuna.[46] |
| 1682 | Sukjong | Yun Jiwan[47] | Tokugawa Tsunayoshi | Congratulions on the succession ofshōgun Tsunayoshi.[48] |
| 1711 | Sukjong | Jo Tae-eok[49] | Tokugawa Ienobu | Congratulations on the succession of shōgun Ienobu.[50] |
| 1719 | Sukjong | Hong Ch'ijung[51] | Tokugawa Yoshimune | Congratulations on the succession of shōgun Yoshimune.[52] |
| 1748 | Yeongjo | Hong Kyehŭi[53] | Tokugawa Ieshige | Congratulations on the succession of shōgun Ieshige.[54] |
| 1764 | Yeongjo | Jo Eom[55] | Tokugawa Ieharu | Congratulations on the succession of shōgun Ieharu.[56] |
| 1811 | Sunjo | Kim Igyo[37] | Tokugawa Ienari | Congratulations on the succession of shōgun Ienari.[57] |
In the 40th year of the reign of KingSeonjo of Joseon,[36] representatives of the Joseon court were dispatched to Japan. This diplomatic mission functioned to the advantage of both the Japanese and the Koreans as a channel for developing a political foundation for trade.[58] This embassy traveled to Edo for an audience with shōgunTokugawa Hidetada in the 12th year ofKeicho, according to theJapanese era name in use at this time.[36]Yŏ Ugil was the chief Joseon envoy;[35] and there was 467 others accompanying him.[36]
In the 9th year of the reign of KingGwanghaegun of Joseon,[38] the Joseon court dispatched a mission to Edo; but the embassy travelled only as far as Kyoto. The delegation was received by shōgun Hidetada atFushimi Castle[59] in the 3rd year ofGenna, as the Japanese reckoned time.[38] The chief envoy wasO Yun'gyŏm[37] and there were 428 others in his party.[38]
In the 2nd year of the reign of KingInjo of Joseon,[40] a delegation was sent to Edo withChŏng Ip as its chief envoy.[37] The size of this diplomatic numbered 460.[40] shōgunTokugawa Iemitsu received the ambassador in Edo.[39] The Joseon embassy was considered a significant event in the 1st year ofKan'ei, according to the Japanese calendar,[40]
In the 14th year of King Injo's reign, a diplomatic mission (the first to be titledtongsinsa since the severing of relations in 1592,[34] thus formally indicating full normalization of relations) was sent to Japan.[42] The ambassador of the Joseon king wasIm Kwang;[41] and he was accompanied by 478 others.[42] According to the Japanese calendar, the mission reached Japan in 1635 (Kan'ei 13, 12th month).[60] This mission to the court of shōgun Iemitsu in Edo also encompassed a pilgrimage to the first shogun's mausoleum atNikkō.[61] The grand procession of the shogun, which included the large Joseon contingent, travelled from Edo to Nikko in the 4th month of the 14th year ofKan'ei.[60]
In the 21st year of King Injo's reign,[44] a mission to Edo was led byYun Sunji.[62] The size of the Joseon delegation was 477.[44] The delegation arrived at the shogunal court in Edo on the 20th year ofKan'ei, as reckoned by the Japanese calendar.[63] This delegation was received in the court of shōgun Iemitsu; and they also completed a visit to shōgun Ieaysu's mausoleum atNikkō.[59]
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In the 6th year of the reign of KingHyojong of Joseon, the Joseon court sent a mission to the shogunal court ofTokugawa Ietsuna.[46] This mission arrived in Japan during the 1st year ofMeireki, according to in the Japanese dating system.[64]Cho Hyŏng was the chief envoy of the Joseon embassy,[45] and his retinue numbered 485.[46] After the embassy was received in the shogunate court at Edo; and the delegation proceeded theTōshō-gū atNikkō.[59]
In the 8th year of the reign of KingSukjong of Joseon, a diplomatic mission to the shogunal court ofTokugawa Tsunayoshi was dispatched from the Joseon court.[48]Yun Jiwan was the chief emissary;[37] and he was accompanied by 473 others, traveling to Edo during the 2nd year ofTenna according to the Japanese calendar.[48]
In the 37th year King Sukjong's reign, an envoy was sent to the shogunal court ofTokugawa Ienobu.[50] This embassy arrived in the 1st year ofShōtoku, according to the Japanese calendar.[65]Jo Tae-eok was the chief envoy of this diplomatic embassy;[37] and the size of his delegation numbered 500.[50]
In the 45th year of King Sukjong's reign, an embassy was dispatched to Japan.[52] The Joseon envoy and his party arrived in Japan in the 10th month of the 4th year ofKyōhō, as reckoned by the Japanese calendar in use at that time.[66] King Sukjong sentHong Ch'ijung with a retinue of 475.[52] The Joseon ambassador was granted an audience with shōgunTokugawa Yoshimune.
In the 24th year of the reign of KingYeongjo of Joseon, the Joseon court sent a diplomatic mission to Japan.[54] The Joseon envoy and his retinue arrived in Edo in the 1st year ofKan'en, according to the Japanese calendar.[67] The chief envoy of this Joseon delegation wasHong Kyehŭi;[53] and he was accompanied by 475 others.[54]
In the 40th year of King Yeongjo's reign, a diplomatic envoy was dispatched to Japan.[56] This mission to the shogunal court ofTokugawa Ieharu arrived in the shogunal capital the 1st year ofMeiwa, as reckoned by the Japanese calendar.[68]Jo Eom was the chief envoy in 1764;[69] and 477 traveled with him.[56] The renownedEdo period poetFukuda Chiyo-ni was chosen to prepare the official Japanese gift presented to the Korean Delegation, and she crafted and delivered 21 artworks based on her 21haiku.[70] This ambassador is important historical figure because he is credited with introducingsweet potatoes as a food crop in Korea.[71] The "new" food staple was encountered during the course of this diplomatic mission.[72]
In the 11th year of the reign of KingSunjo of Joseon, the king sent a mission to the shogunal court of Tokugawa Ienari.[57] The embassy did not travel any further thanTsushima. The representatives of shōgun Ienari met the mission on the island which is located in the middle of theKorea Strait between theKorean Peninsula andKyushu.[69] The chief envoy of this mission wasKim Igyo;[37] and there were 336 in his retinue.[57]
Joseon-Japanese bilateral relations were affected by the increasing numbers of international contacts which required adaptation and a new kind of diplomacy.[73] Japan'sSakoku period ("closed country") ended in 1854, altering all regional relations for Japan.[74]
TheKorea-Japan Treaty of 1876 marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations.[73]
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