A Study on the Hullyeon-dae during the Gabo Reform Period

Abstract

The Hullyeon-dae was the only military organization in Joseon based on the new military system during the Gabo Reform as a result of the military reform that began in July 1894. It was composed of four battalions, two were central battalions located in Seoul, and the other two were local battalions located in Pyongyang and Jeonju. Securing the initiative of the Hullyeon-dae actually meant Joseon’s military control. The conflict took place between Park Young-hyo and Cho Hee-yeon in the first and Park Young-hyo and King Gojong in the second. The Hullyeon-dae was disbanded due to public criticism after taking part in the Eulmi Incident. Regarding the motive for the Hullyeon-dae’s participation in the Eulmi Incident, it usually refers to the conflict between the Royal faction and the pro-Japanese enlightenment faction. However, after Park Young-hyo’s outster, most of the Hullyeon-dae officers advocated political neutrality. The problem was the repercussions of rumors on the disbandment of the Hullyeon-dae. The officers of the Hullyeon-dae, who felt threatened by this rumors, cooperated with Japan’s plan to kill the queen bacause of their interests, which was their Motive for participating in the Eulmi Incident.