Fusan in the 1890s or early 1900s / Robert Neff Collection

While Jemulpo (modern Incheon) was often described in the late 19th century as the gateway to Korea, I would argue it was Fusan (modern Busan) that deserved this title, especially in the 1880s, when it appears more non-military Westerners visited it than Jemulpo. Over the next couple of articles we will examine Fusan in the 1880s.

In October 1883, one foreign resident in Fusan described the port as a Japanese settlement consisting of 600 houses, which were, “for the most part substantially built specimens of Japanese architecture, two stories high,” and provided housing for the 1,800 Japanese residents. The finest buildings were the Japanese consulate, the 1st National Bank, the offices of several Japanese traders, the steamship office and Kofukutsi Hotel. In addition, the port had a hospital, school, post office and police station. The two-storied Korean Imperial Customs Service’s office was at the western end of the port and was also considered to be quite grand. In addition, a telegraph office was in the final stages of completion. He did not refer to Korea as the Land of the Morning Calm or even as the Hermit Kingdom, but instead deemed it the “Land of Promise.”

While it may have been the “Land of Promise” to Japanese merchants, for non-Japanese businessmen, it was a forbidden land.

In October 1883, the Chinese firm of Tick Hing & Company informed Japanese Acting Consul General S. Miyamoto of its intention to open a general store in Fusan. The managers, Ah-chi and Wi-sing, were encouraged by the “friendly manner” in which they were received by the Japanese official and proceeded to select a building on the main street and obtain a six-month lease from the Japanese owner. The building was then refurnished and the........

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