슈페이예르와 러시아 공사 베베르의 조선 내 외교활동―1884～1894

Abstract

In 7-th July 1884 Korea and Russia concluded the agreement. But the first Russian envoy, Veber has arrived in Seoul only in October 1885. There was no Russian diplomatic representative in Seoul from the moment of conclusion of this agreement till October 1885. During this period, there were some diplomatic occurrences in Korea. They shall be called "First attempt for rapprochement of Korea with Russia" and "Occupation of an island Hamilton by the war ships of British Empire." Russia sent Spyer to explore, that the Korean government really wants to pull together to Russia. Spyer was sent to Korea as the private person, which has no diplomatic authority. But in Seoul Spyer was on an audience of the Korean king. In 1885 Spyer was again sent to Seoul with the purpose to observe a course of occurrences, mainly, occupation of an island "Hamilton" by war ship of Great Britain. This time, Spyer was sent as a private person, like former time. But he worked in Seoul, as a official diplomat. At the request of Paul George von Mollendorf, he has made the plan of organization for Russian military mission in French language. And even he tried to negotiate with the Korean dignitaries. Other people, which found out about Spyer's activities, began to consider, that Russia aspires aggressive policy in Far East. In this situation in April 1885 Veber was nominated for the first Russian envoy and general consul in Seoul. On the basis on a instruction, which Veber has received from his Tsar, he tried to strengthen influence of Russia over Korea and tried to solve the problem about occupation of an island "Hamilton" by a peace way. After arrival in Seoul Veber began to work as the individual adviser for the Korean king. Due to this, Veber could know not only many internal problems, but also foreign situation of Korea. The individual adviser Veber could influence the Korean king by advice and council. And also it was possible to decide and solve questions for the benefit of Russia. At such situation there was an occurrence, which usually refer to as "The Second attempt of rapprochement of Korea with Russia." But the impression of Korean people on Russia was positive. And the Korean king strongly trusted Russia. Therefore after death the queen "Min", Korean king sough refuge with the Russian mission. That was possible due to trust on Russia, which was consolidated from the moment, when Veber began to work in Seoul.