Korea stopped having a King as its monarch after the annexation of Korea by Japan in August 1910. The Korean Empire, which was ruled by King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty, was formally ended at this time.
The End of the Korean Monarchy
The transition from the Joseon Dynasty to the Korean Empire occurred in October 1897 when King Gojong declared the empire. This act elevated his status from king to emperor. However, this relatively short-lived empire was brought to an end with the Japanese annexation. This effectively ended the Korean monarchy and the reign of any future kings or emperors of Korea. The key date to remember is August 1910 when the annexation took place.
Key Events Leading to the End of the Korean Monarchy
- October 1897: King Gojong proclaims the Korean Empire.
- August 1910: Japan annexes Korea, ending the Korean monarchy.
Chronological Summary
| Time Period | Status |
|---|---|
| Before October 1897 | Joseon Dynasty with a King |
| October 1897 - August 1910 | Korean Empire with an Emperor |
| August 1910 onwards | Japanese Rule (No King or Emperor) |
In summary, while Korea transitioned to an empire for a short time under Emperor Gojong, the end of the monarchy in Korea definitively came with the Japanese annexation in August 1910.
