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INSIGHT Edited by Matthew Lamers / mattlamers@groovekorea.com
HISTORY
Column by Walter Stucke / Illustration by Cynthia Fernandez
A show of force America’s first major encounter with Korea
The history between the United States and Korea goes back approximately 150 years and has been at times tumultuous. But how did the relationship between Korea and the United States begin? The first significant interaction between two countries in 1866 was a bloody one, which led to subsequent fighting five years later. While the 1871 conflict between the United States and Korea was historically insignificant, the story is both interesting and meaningful. America’s first major encounter with Korea occurred in August of 1866 when the General Sherman, a merchant ship, vanished along with its crew in the Taedong River, located in what is now North Korean territory. During this time, the United States was engaging in trade with China and Japan, and desired to trade with Korea as well. In addition to trade, America also hoped for a formal treaty which would officially call for the protection of shipwrecked sailors along Korea’s coast — a protection they thought had
ABOUT THE WRITER In this column, Walter Stucke interviews a historian to provide insight into the country’s past. He has an MA in Korean History and lives in Busan with his wife. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Groove Korea. — Ed. MAY 2013 - ISSUE 79 / GROOVE KOREA MAGAZINE