The Research Of Mollendorff And Merrill In The Customs Activity Comparison

In the nineteenth century, with the global expansion of capitalism, such as the neighbors of Japan, Russia, United States and France rising, monopoly capitalism began to emerge so that Korea has to face the intrusion troubles, especially Japan. Because Japanese invaded Korea and Ryukyu Islands, at that time Qing government kept the dependent relationship with korea, the Qing government began to realize crisis, apart from this korea began to secret diplomacy with Russia. For response the situation, Mollendorff and Merrill were sent to Korea Customs. They have two reasons leading to be sent korea. First, they worked in Chinese customs for many years and were familiar with the customs service. Second they were received Ma Jianzhong and Hurd’s appreciation and recommend, and then Li was satisfied with their ability and insight. This is an important reason that they come to Korea. When Li sent Mollendorff to korea customs, the important subject of guarding against Japan and governing the korea economic. Li wanted to realize two aims by sending Merrill to korea customs. the one prevent the dependent relationship, the other watched over Russia. When they faced the predicament, Mollendorff and Merrill took two different approaches to development korea. Mollendorff mainly opened factories, built schools and hospitals to development Korea, but also he broaden the diplomatic with Russia relationship by a secret diplomacy. While Merrill in places prevented relations with China, at the same time he reformed the customs agency and adjusted personnel to increase customs revenue, he develop Korea by above approaches. Their activities in Korea had many similarities, such as they all launched customs regulations and tariff negotiations, introduction customs personnel. Mollendorff and Merrill during the Korean customs, whether prevent foreign forces to invade Korea or advance economic development and other aspects, they have made some contribution to the process of modernization of Korea. Compared the role of two men in Korea, Mollendorff who established an independent ideological consciousness and trained personnel, played a key role. Merrill played a important role in the maintenance of the korea and China relationship, and then solved conflict between two countries, in addition to make Korea Customs increase revenue.