Sinmiyangyo
Encyclopedia
The United States expedition to Korea, the Shinmiyangyo, or simply the Korean Expedition, in 1871, was the first American
military action in Korea
. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa
. The reason for the presence of the American naval force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and political relations with the peninsular nation, to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman
merchant ship, and to establish a treaty assuring aid for shipwrecked sailors. When Korean shore batteries attacked
two American warships on June 1, 1871, a punitive expedition
was launched ten days later after the commanding American admiral
failed to receive an official apology from the Koreans. The isolationist nature of the Joseon Dynasty
government and the assertiveness of the Americans led to a misunderstanding between the two parties that changed a diplomatic expedition into an armed conflict. On June 10, about 650 Americans landed and captured several forts, killing over 200 Korean troops with a loss of only three dead. Korea continued to refuse to negotiate with the United States until 1882.
, as well as five warship
s: USS Colorado
, USS Alaska
, USS Palos
, USS Monocacy
, and USS Benicia
. On board the Colorado was Rear Admiral
John Rodgers
, also Frederick F. Low
, the United States Ambassador to China
. The Korean forces, known as "Tiger Hunters", were led by General
Eo Jae-yeon (Hangul
; 어재연 Hanja
; 魚在淵).
The Americans safely made contact with the Korean inhabitants, described as "people wearing white clothes". When they inquired about the SS General Sherman incident
, the Koreans were initially reluctant to discuss the topic, ostensibly to avoid having to pay any recompense. The Americans consequently let the Koreans know that their fleet would be exploring the area, and that they meant no harm. This gesture was misinterpreted; Korean policy at the time prohibited foreign ships from sailing on the Han River
, as it led directly to the capital city of Hanyang, modern day Seoul
. On June 1 the Korean fortress fired at the U.S. fleet as they sailed up the Ganghwa Straits, which leads to the river. The U.S. forces were not badly damaged, due "to the bad gunnery of the Coreans, whose fire, although very hot for the fifteen minutes in which they maintained it, was ill-directed, and consequently without effect." Along with the cannons being arranged in rows, one tier above another on the hill-side, and fired by a train of powder." The U.S. demanded an apology within ten days; there was no response so Rodgers decided on a punitive assault on the forts.
rifles. After they were quickly overrun, the Americans moved onto their next objective
, the Deokjin Garrison. The poorly armed Korean forces were kept from effective range by American 12 pound howitzer
s. The American troops continued on towards the next objective, Deokjin Fort, which they found abandoned. The sailors and marines quickly dismantled this fortress and continued to Gwangseong Garrison, a citadel
. By this time, Korean forces had regrouped there. Along the way, some Korean units tried to flank the US forces, but were beaten off again due to the strategic placement of artillery on two hills.
Artillery fire from ground forces and the USS Monocacy
offshore pounded the citadel in preparation for an assault by US forces. Five hundred and forty-six sailors and one hundred and five Marines grouped on the hills west of the fortress (infantry troops were on the hill directly west of the fortress, while artillery troops on another hill both shelled the fortress and also covered the Americans' flanks and rear) keeping cover and returning fire. Once the bombardments stopped, the Americans charged the citadel, led by Lt. Hugh McKee
. The slow reload time of the Korean matchlock rifles aided the Americans, who were armed with superior Remington rolling block
carbines, to make it over the walls; the Koreans even ended up throwing rocks at the attackers.
McKee was the first to make it into the citadel and was shot in the groin. After him came Commander
Winfield Scott Schley
, who avenged his comrade. The flag of the Korean commander, General Eo Jae-yeon, which is called the "Sujagi
" by Koreans, was captured by Corporal Charles Brown
of the USS Colorado
's guard and Private Hugh Purvis
of the USS Alaska
's guard. General Eo was killed by Private James Dougherty
. While serving as the color bearer for the Colorados crew and Marines, USS Colorado Carpenter
Cyrus Hayden
planted the US flag on the ramparts under heavy enemy fire. Privates Brown and Purvis and Hayden received the Medal of Honor
.
The fighting lasted fifteen minutes. In the end, 243 Koreans were counted dead in the forts and three Americans were also killed in the fighting. The American casualties were McKee, Seaman Seth Allen, and U.S. Marine Corps Private Denis Hanrahan, ten Americans were wounded, and twenty Koreans were captured, several of whom were wounded. Five Korean forts were taken in total, with dozens of various small cannon. The Korean deputy commander was among the wounded who were captured. The US hoped to use the captives as a bargaining chip to meet with local officials, but the Koreans refused, calling the captives cowards and "Low was told that he was welcome to keep the wounded prisoners".
Following the military operations of June 10–12, the United States Asiatic Squadron
stayed at anchorage off Jakyak Island until July 3 when they left for China
.
The United States was not able to achieve its objectives diplomatically, as the Koreans refused to negotiate. In fact, these events led the regent Daewon-gun
to strengthen his policy of isolation and issue a national proclamation against appeasing foreigners. However, in 1876, Korea established a trade treaty with Japan
after Japanese ships approached Ganghwado and threatened to fire on Seoul. Treaties with European countries and the U.S. soon followed.
Nine sailors and six Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor
, the first for actions in a foreign conflict.
The treaty remained in effect until the annexation of Korea
in 1910.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
military action in Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa
Ganghwa Island
Ganghwa Island is an island in the estuary of the Han River, on the west coast of South Korea. Ganghwa Island is separated from Gimpo, on the mainland, by a narrow channel, which is spanned by two bridges. The main channel of the Han River separates the island from Gaeseong in North Korea.About...
. The reason for the presence of the American naval force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and political relations with the peninsular nation, to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman
General Sherman Incident
The General Sherman Incident was the destruction of an armed merchant marine side-wheel steamer that visited Korea in 1866. It was an important catalyst to the end of Korean isolationism in the 19th century...
merchant ship, and to establish a treaty assuring aid for shipwrecked sailors. When Korean shore batteries attacked
Bombardment of the Selee River Forts
The Bombardment of the Selee River Forts, or the Bombardment of Ganghwa, was the result of a Korean attack on two United States Navy warships supporting the Korean Expedition in 1871. The incident broke down relations between Korea and the United States diplomatic expedition sent to establish trade...
two American warships on June 1, 1871, a punitive expedition
Punitive expedition
A punitive expedition is a military journey undertaken to punish a state or any group of persons outside the borders of the punishing state. It is usually undertaken in response to perceived disobedient or morally wrong behavior, but may be also be a covered revenge...
was launched ten days later after the commanding American admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
failed to receive an official apology from the Koreans. The isolationist nature of the Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
government and the assertiveness of the Americans led to a misunderstanding between the two parties that changed a diplomatic expedition into an armed conflict. On June 10, about 650 Americans landed and captured several forts, killing over 200 Korean troops with a loss of only three dead. Korea continued to refuse to negotiate with the United States until 1882.
Initial contact
The expedition consisted of about 650 men, over 500 sailors and 100 marinesUnited States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, as well as five warship
Warship
A warship is a ship that is built and primarily intended for combat. Warships are usually built in a completely different way from merchant ships. As well as being armed, warships are designed to withstand damage and are usually faster and more maneuvrable than merchant ships...
s: USS Colorado
USS Colorado (1856)
The first USS Colorado — a -class, three-masted steam screw frigate — was launched on 19 June 1856 by the Norfolk Navy Yard. It was sponsored by Ms. N. S. Dornin, and commissioned on 13 March 1858, Captain W. H...
, USS Alaska
USS Alaska (1868)
The first USS Alaska was a wooden-hulled screw sloop of war, built at the Boston Navy Yard. The ship was launched on 31 October 1868 and sponsored by Miss Grace Hull, the daughter of Mayor Hull of Boston. Alaska was commissioned on 8 December 1869, with Commander Homer C...
, USS Palos
USS Palos (1865)
The first USS Palos was a 4th rate iron screw tug in the United States Navy during the late 19th century. She was named for Palos de la Frontera in Spain....
, USS Monocacy
USS Monocacy (1864)
-External links:*...
, and USS Benicia
USS Benicia (1868)
USS Benicia was a screw sloop in the United States Navy during the late 19th century. She was named for Benicia, California.Benicia was launched 18 August 1868 by Portsmouth Navy Yard as Algoma; renamed Benicia 15 May 1869; and commissioned 1 December 1869, Commander S...
. On board the Colorado was Rear Admiral
Rear Admiral
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
John Rodgers
John Rodgers (naval officer, Civil War)
John Rodgers was an admiral in the United States Navy.-Early life and career:Rodgers, a son of Commodore John Rodgers, was born near Havre de Grace, Maryland. He received his appointment as a Midshipman in the Navy on 18 April 1828...
, also Frederick F. Low
Frederick Low
Frederick Ferdinand Low was an American politician, US congressman and the ninth Governor of California.-Life:Born in Frankfort in 1828, Low attended the Hampden Academy in Hampden, Maine. Low moved to California, entering the shipping business in San Francisco in 1849...
, the United States Ambassador to China
United States Ambassador to China
The United States Ambassador to China is the chief American diplomat to People's Republic of China . The United States has sent diplomatic representatives to China since 1844, when Caleb Cushing, as Commissioner, negotiated the Treaty of Wanghia. Commissioners represented the United States in...
. The Korean forces, known as "Tiger Hunters", were led by General
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Eo Jae-yeon (Hangul
Hangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
; 어재연 Hanja
Hanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
; 魚在淵).
The Americans safely made contact with the Korean inhabitants, described as "people wearing white clothes". When they inquired about the SS General Sherman incident
General Sherman Incident
The General Sherman Incident was the destruction of an armed merchant marine side-wheel steamer that visited Korea in 1866. It was an important catalyst to the end of Korean isolationism in the 19th century...
, the Koreans were initially reluctant to discuss the topic, ostensibly to avoid having to pay any recompense. The Americans consequently let the Koreans know that their fleet would be exploring the area, and that they meant no harm. This gesture was misinterpreted; Korean policy at the time prohibited foreign ships from sailing on the Han River
Han River (Korea)
The Han River is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula after the Amnok, Duman, and Nakdong rivers. It is formed by the confluence of the Namhan River , which originates in Mount Daedeok, and the Bukhan River , which originates on the slopes of Mount...
, as it led directly to the capital city of Hanyang, modern day Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
. On June 1 the Korean fortress fired at the U.S. fleet as they sailed up the Ganghwa Straits, which leads to the river. The U.S. forces were not badly damaged, due "to the bad gunnery of the Coreans, whose fire, although very hot for the fifteen minutes in which they maintained it, was ill-directed, and consequently without effect." Along with the cannons being arranged in rows, one tier above another on the hill-side, and fired by a train of powder." The U.S. demanded an apology within ten days; there was no response so Rodgers decided on a punitive assault on the forts.
Battle of Ganghwa
On June 10, 1871, the Americans attacked the lightly defended Choji Garrison on Ganghwa, along the Salee River. The Koreans were armed with severely outdated weapons, such as matchlockMatchlock
The matchlock was the first mechanism, or "lock" invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. This design removed the need to lower by hand a lit match into the weapon's flash pan and made it possible to have both hands free to keep a firm grip on the weapon at the moment of firing,...
rifles. After they were quickly overrun, the Americans moved onto their next objective
Objective
Objective may refer to:* Objective , to achieve a final set of actions within a given military operation* Objective pronoun, a pronoun as the target of a verb* Objective , an element in a camera or microscope...
, the Deokjin Garrison. The poorly armed Korean forces were kept from effective range by American 12 pound howitzer
Howitzer
A howitzer is a type of artillery piece characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small propellant charges to propel projectiles at relatively high trajectories, with a steep angle of descent...
s. The American troops continued on towards the next objective, Deokjin Fort, which they found abandoned. The sailors and marines quickly dismantled this fortress and continued to Gwangseong Garrison, a citadel
Citadel
A citadel is a fortress for protecting a town, sometimes incorporating a castle. The term derives from the same Latin root as the word "city", civis, meaning citizen....
. By this time, Korean forces had regrouped there. Along the way, some Korean units tried to flank the US forces, but were beaten off again due to the strategic placement of artillery on two hills.
USS Monocacy (1864)
-External links:*...
offshore pounded the citadel in preparation for an assault by US forces. Five hundred and forty-six sailors and one hundred and five Marines grouped on the hills west of the fortress (infantry troops were on the hill directly west of the fortress, while artillery troops on another hill both shelled the fortress and also covered the Americans' flanks and rear) keeping cover and returning fire. Once the bombardments stopped, the Americans charged the citadel, led by Lt. Hugh McKee
Hugh McKee
Hugh Wilson McKee was an American naval officer in the 1870s who participated in the United States expedition to Korea in 1871.-Early life and military service:...
. The slow reload time of the Korean matchlock rifles aided the Americans, who were armed with superior Remington rolling block
Rolling block
A rolling block is a form of firearm action where the sealing of the breech is done with a specially shaped breechblock able to rotate on a pin. The breechblock is shaped like a section of a circle....
carbines, to make it over the walls; the Koreans even ended up throwing rocks at the attackers.
McKee was the first to make it into the citadel and was shot in the groin. After him came Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
Winfield Scott Schley
Winfield Scott Schley
Winfield Scott Schley was a rear admiral in the United States Navy and the hero of the Battle of Santiago Bay during the Spanish-American War.-Civil War:...
, who avenged his comrade. The flag of the Korean commander, General Eo Jae-yeon, which is called the "Sujagi
Sujagi
The Sujagi is a flag with a Chinese character, pronounced su in Korean, that denotes a commanding general. The whole term literally means, "Commanding general character flag". Only one sujagi is known to exist in Korea. The color is a faded yellowish-brown background with a black character in...
" by Koreans, was captured by Corporal Charles Brown
Charles Brown (Medal of Honor)
Corporal Charles Brown received the United States's highest honor for bravery, the Medal of Honor. Corporal Brown was a United States Marine and was born in New York City. He enlisted in Hong Kong in 1870. The tracking number for his Medal of Honor is No.: 169, and is dated 8 February 1872.-Medal...
of the USS Colorado
USS Colorado (1856)
The first USS Colorado — a -class, three-masted steam screw frigate — was launched on 19 June 1856 by the Norfolk Navy Yard. It was sponsored by Ms. N. S. Dornin, and commissioned on 13 March 1858, Captain W. H...
's guard and Private Hugh Purvis
Hugh Purvis
Hugh Purvis was a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor for actions on board the during the United States expedition to Korea.-Biography:...
of the USS Alaska
USS Alaska (1868)
The first USS Alaska was a wooden-hulled screw sloop of war, built at the Boston Navy Yard. The ship was launched on 31 October 1868 and sponsored by Miss Grace Hull, the daughter of Mayor Hull of Boston. Alaska was commissioned on 8 December 1869, with Commander Homer C...
's guard. General Eo was killed by Private James Dougherty
James Dougherty (Medal of Honor)
James Dougherty was a U.S. Marine in the 1871 Korean Campaign. He received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Korean Expedition, while serving as a private aboard . His Medal of Honor was issued on February 8, 1872...
. While serving as the color bearer for the Colorados crew and Marines, USS Colorado Carpenter
Carpenter
A carpenter is a skilled craftsperson who works with timber to construct, install and maintain buildings, furniture, and other objects. The work, known as carpentry, may involve manual labor and work outdoors....
Cyrus Hayden
Cyrus Hayden
Cyrus Hayden was a United States Navy sailor received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean Expedition on June 11, 1871. While serving as the color bearer for the 's crew and Marines, Hayden planted the American Flag on the ramparts under heavy enemy fire.-Medal of Honor...
planted the US flag on the ramparts under heavy enemy fire. Privates Brown and Purvis and Hayden received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
.
The fighting lasted fifteen minutes. In the end, 243 Koreans were counted dead in the forts and three Americans were also killed in the fighting. The American casualties were McKee, Seaman Seth Allen, and U.S. Marine Corps Private Denis Hanrahan, ten Americans were wounded, and twenty Koreans were captured, several of whom were wounded. Five Korean forts were taken in total, with dozens of various small cannon. The Korean deputy commander was among the wounded who were captured. The US hoped to use the captives as a bargaining chip to meet with local officials, but the Koreans refused, calling the captives cowards and "Low was told that he was welcome to keep the wounded prisoners".
Following the military operations of June 10–12, the United States Asiatic Squadron
Asiatic Squadron
The Asiatic Squadron was a squadron of United States Navy warships stationed in East Asia during the latter half of the 19th century, it was created in 1868 when the East India Squadron was disbanded...
stayed at anchorage off Jakyak Island until July 3 when they left for China
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China....
.
Aftermath
Daewon-gun
Heungseon Daewongun or The Daewongun , or formally Heungseon Heonui Daewonwang and also known to period western diplomats as Prince Gung, was the title of Yi Ha-eung, regent of Joseon during the minority of King Gojong in the 1860s and until his death a key political figure of late Joseon...
to strengthen his policy of isolation and issue a national proclamation against appeasing foreigners. However, in 1876, Korea established a trade treaty with Japan
Treaty of Ganghwa
The Japan-Korea Treaty of Amity, also known as the Treaty of Ganghwa or Treaty of Kanghwa, was made between representatives of the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Joseon in 1876...
after Japanese ships approached Ganghwado and threatened to fire on Seoul. Treaties with European countries and the U.S. soon followed.
Nine sailors and six Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, the first for actions in a foreign conflict.
Treaty of Amity and Commerce
From April to May 1882, the United States and Korea negotiated and approved a 14 article treaty. The treaty established mutual friendship and mutual assistance in case of attack; and the treaty also addressed such specific matters as extraterritorial rights for American citizens in Korea and most favored nation trade status.The treaty remained in effect until the annexation of Korea
Korea under Japanese rule
Korea was under Japanese rule as part of Japan's 35-year imperialist expansion . Japanese rule ended in 1945 shortly after the Japanese defeat in World War II....
in 1910.
See also
- History of KoreaHistory of KoreaThe Korean Peninsula was inhabited from the Lower Paleolithic about 400,000-500,000 years ago. Archeological evidence indicates that the presence of modern humans in northeast Asia dates to 39,000 years ago. The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC, and the Neolithic period began...
- Military history of KoreaMilitary history of KoreaKoreas military history spans back thousands of years, beginning with the early struggles of the ancient Kingdom of Gojoseon. Its long history consists of the many successful repulsions of major invasions and defensive against foreign invasions...
- Joseon DynastyJoseon DynastyJoseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
- List of Korea-related topics
- List of Medal of Honor recipients - Korean Expedition
- French Campaign against Korea, 1866French Campaign against Korea, 1866The French campaign against Korea of 1866 is also known as Byeong-in yangyo . It refers to the French invasion of Ganghwa Island in Korea in retaliation for the earlier execution by Korea's Joseon Dynasty of French Catholic priests proselytizing in that country...
- General Sherman incidentGeneral Sherman IncidentThe General Sherman Incident was the destruction of an armed merchant marine side-wheel steamer that visited Korea in 1866. It was an important catalyst to the end of Korean isolationism in the 19th century...
- Ganghwa Island incidentGanghwa Island incidentThe Ganghwa Island incident or the Japanese Battle of Ganghwa , was an armed encounter between the Joseon Dynasty and Japan which occurred in the vicinity of Ganghwa Island on September 20, 1875.-Background:...
- Black ShipsBlack ShipsThe Black Ships was the name given to Western vessels arriving in Japan in the 16th and 19th centuries.In 1543 Portuguese initiated the first contacts, establishing a trade route linking Goa to Nagasaki...
- Unequal treaty
External links
- US Naval Historical Center on 1871 US Korean campaign
- medal of Honor Link {1871} reference only
- 1871 US Korea Campaign
- The early US-Korea relations - Excerpt from "A Brief History of the US-Korea Relations Prior to 1945"
- Gateway to Shimiyangyo
- My Ganghwa dot com, a Korean site dedicated to the Ganghwa Isle