A Glimpse Into Korea’s Turbulent Past: Kim Ok-gyun’s Rare Hangul Letter Discovered at Cambridge University

The Discovery That Shook Korean Studies

Did you know that a letter written in Hangul by Kim Ok-gyun, one of the most influential reformers of late Joseon, was recently found in the archives of Cambridge University Library? This find has sent ripples through both academic circles and online communities, as it offers a rare, firsthand glimpse into the mindset of Korea’s reformist elite during a period of intense political turmoil. The letter, believed to have been penned on April 15, 1884, was addressed to Harry Parkes, a leading British diplomat in East Asia, and had been quietly resting in the library’s Harry Parkes archive for over a century.

Who Was Kim Ok-gyun and Why Does This Letter Matter?

Kim Ok-gyun (1851–1894) was a central figure in the Gapsin Coup, a failed but pivotal attempt to reform and modernize the Joseon Dynasty. He was part of the progressive Gaehwa (Enlightenment) faction, advocating for rapid modernization and greater independence from Qing China. This letter, written in Hangul rather than classical Chinese, is especially significant. It not only highlights Kim’s willingness to communicate in the Korean script—at a time when Hangul was rarely used for official correspondence—but also reflects his vision for a sovereign, modern Korea. The use of the Korean calendar date, instead of the Chinese imperial year, is a subtle but powerful assertion of national identity.

Inside the Letter: A Plea for Reform and International Support

The content of the letter is both personal and political. Kim expresses regret at missing Parkes during his visit to Korea, praises Parkes’s role in Japan’s modernization, and seeks his opinion on Korea’s future. He writes about his own experiences in Japan, noting the country’s transformation and crediting Parkes with much of its progress. Kim’s message is clear: he is seeking advice and possible support for similar reforms in Korea, and he wants Parkes to understand the urgency and complexity of the Korean situation. The letter also references William Aston, the first British consul in Korea, indicating Kim’s network among key foreign diplomats.

Why Was This Letter Hidden for So Long?

For more than 130 years, this letter remained largely unnoticed in the Cambridge University Library archive. The reason? It was written in Hangul, a script unfamiliar to most Western archivists at the time, and only recently did Jiyeon Wood, the Korean and Japanese collections specialist, recognize its significance. The letter’s rediscovery is a testament to the growing international interest in Korean studies and the importance of re-examining overlooked archives. It also underscores how much of Korea’s modern history remains to be uncovered in foreign collections.

Community Reactions: Pride, Curiosity, and Debate

Korean online communities have exploded with discussion about the letter. On DC Inside and FM Korea, users expressed pride in Korea’s historical push for modernization and independence. Some comments highlight the symbolic importance of using Hangul and the national calendar. Others debate the motivations behind Kim Ok-gyun’s outreach to British diplomats, with some viewing it as a pragmatic move for international support, while a few remain skeptical about his legacy due to the controversial aftermath of the Gapsin Coup. On Naver and Daum blogs, many users are fascinated by the global journey of Korean historical documents and call for more active research into overseas archives. There is a shared sentiment that such discoveries reinforce Korea’s unique path to modernity.

Cultural Insights: Why Hangul Matters and the Fandom of Korean History

For international readers, it’s important to understand why the use of Hangul in this letter is such a big deal. During the late 19th century, official documents were almost always written in classical Chinese, the language of the educated elite. Kim’s choice to use Hangul was both radical and forward-thinking, reflecting a desire to make Korean identity and language central to the nation’s future. This resonates deeply with today’s Korean fans of history, who see Hangul as a symbol of independence and cultural pride. The discovery also feeds into the broader global fascination with Korea’s rapid transformation from a hermit kingdom to a modern state.

The Letter’s Place in Modern Korean Identity

Kim Ok-gyun’s letter is more than just a historical artifact; it’s a symbol of Korea’s long-standing quest for self-determination. The timing of the letter—just months before the Gapsin Coup—shows how reformers were actively seeking international alliances and learning from the successes and failures of neighboring countries. The fact that the letter was addressed to Parkes, a key player in shaping East Asian diplomacy, highlights the interconnectedness of global politics even in the 19th century. For today’s young Koreans and international fans alike, the letter serves as a reminder that the story of Korea’s modernization is both local and global.

Looking Ahead: What This Discovery Means for Korean Studies

Scholars are already calling for further research into related British diplomatic documents and other overseas archives. The hope is that more such materials will come to light, offering new perspectives on Korea’s journey through colonialism, modernization, and nation-building. The Cambridge University Library has announced plans to digitize the letter and make it available to researchers worldwide—an exciting development for anyone interested in Korean history. As international interest in Korean culture continues to grow, finds like this one deepen our understanding of the country’s complex past and its enduring spirit of innovation and independence.