The Opening of the Ports: Observations from Bishop’s Travels

This chapter opens Part II, which examines the historical development of Korea’s economy, beginning with the port-opening period in the late nineteenth century. Unlike later periods with abundant long-term statistical data, the port-opening years lack comprehensive quantitative records. To reconstruct the economic conditions of this era, this chapter draws extensively from trade statistics and microdata on rice paddy rent, shedding light on trade dynamics and industrial transformations. The analysis also relies on the detailed travelogue of Isabella Bird Bishop, an Englishwoman who documented Korea’s economy, society, and daily life during her visit. By combining qualitative narratives with quantitative evidence, the chapter provides a nuanced view of Korea’s economic landscape at the dawn of its modern transformation.