Treaty of Kanghwa

The Treaty of Kanghwa, signed in 1876 between Korea and Japan, was a pivotal agreement that marked Japan’s first legal entry into Korea. It was influenced by Japan’s desire to open Korea to trade and establish influence in East Asia. The treaty forced Korea to open ports to Japanese merchants, grant extraterritorial rights to Japanese citizens, and give Japan various economic and territorial advantages. While Korea sought to preserve its sovereignty, the treaty effectively diminished its independence by making it more vulnerable to foreign pressures and interference, illustrating the shifting balance of power in the region during that period.