Welcome to Wujung Chongguk. The restored old building now functions as an exhibition hall. Inside, you'll find exhibitions related to postal services and mail-related history.
When discussing Wujung Chongguk, the Gapsin Coup often comes to mind first. It was a pivotal event, largely associated with the establishment of Wujung Chongguk. Today, we'll delve into two facets linked to the Wujung Chongguk: the Gapsin Coup and the modern postal services.
In 1884, the Gapsin Coup, led by Kim Okgyun alongside figures like Hong Youngsik, Seo Kwangbum, Seo Jaepil, aimed to forge a new Joseon in the aftereffect of turbulent international circumstances post-opening. While significant, events like the Hong Gyeong-rae Rebellion of 1811 and the Jinju Uprising of 1862 also shook the country. However, it's unclear if they had a clear direction akin to the Gapsin Coup. If the Hong Gyeong-rae Rebellion and the Jinju Uprising were responses against discrimination and oppression faced by the common people, the Gapsin Coup differed significantly by having the noble class at its center of the revolution.
The key figures behind the Gapsin Coup sought to modernize the nation through measures like abolishing the lineage system, restructuring government finances, and ending the Gwageo exam. Their efforts became a reference for subsequent reform movements. Yet, there were downsides, including reliance on the Japanese Legation, a simplistic belief that controlling power equated to completing the revolution, and misjudgments in international affairs.
I believe as much as the Gapsin Coup, the modern postal service introduced by the Wujung Chongguk was equally crucial. Although the postal services ceased soon after the Gapsin Coup, the emergence of modern postal operations signified the changing era.
In the past, sending letters involved depending on acquaintances. Whether it was a civilian or an official letter, both had to be handed over through someone familiar. Perhaps ordinary people didn't even contemplate writing and sending their own letters.
However, If you put a stamp on a letter, Chejeonbu - nowadays, we'd call it the postman - made the postal system remarkably convenient for sending letters.
The postal system demanded a societal transformation. From producing stamps to requiring administrators for collecting, sorting, and delivering letters, establishing an addressing system for every household was no small feat. Additionally, setting standard protocols with foreign postal authorities was essential for international mail. Through postal services, Joseon connected with the world. Could this not be deemed a genuine revolution? While some argue changes stem from politics, the real transformation often resides in societal shifts, wouldn't you agree?
Don't forget my earlier explanation, and take some time to explore the Wujung Chongguk Exhibition Hall. Our next destination is Susong Park and its monument. Follow the path adjacent to Jogyesa Temple, and you'll soon reach the cozy Susong Park.