This decree restricts the residence of Chinese subjects in Korea to the open
ports, and forbids them to travel in the interior, except upon the road or
river, between Seoul and Chemulpo. It requires them to report their arrival
in Korea to the Korean local authorities within twenty-four hours after
landing, and to give notice and get permission when they desire to change
their residence. Exterritorial rights are removed and Chinese subjects are
placed under the jurisdiction of the Korean courts.
[Inclosure in No. 89.—From the Korean
Official Gazette, December 17, 1894.]
The reformed constitutional regulations for the
protection of the Chinese merchants.
The Korean Government having broken the relations of friendship that
formerly existed with China, and the treaty having been set aside,
Chinese subjects in Korea shall, however, dwell safely and follow their
professions peacefully by the privileges or immunities which are now
granted by the Korean government.
[Page 88]
His Majesty the King of Korea promulgates these regulations for the
Chinese residents in the dominion of Korea at present, that they may
dwell in Korea and transact their business peacefully.
These regulations shall be issued and diffused widely, as following:
I. Chinese subjects shall be limited in their residence to the city of
Han Yang (Seoul) and the three ports Chemulpo, Fusan, and Wensan.
II. Chinese residents in the above-named limits shall have to report to
the local authorities their names, addresses, and special business in
order to obtain permission to reside and transact business. Chinese
people who wish to remove to another place and exchange their business
shall be granted permission by the local officer immediately. The
original receipt, which was received from the authority of the country
where he lived, must be delivered to the local officer of the place in
which he removes within three days.
III. Chinese subjects who transact their business in Korea and import any
merchandise into Korea must be quiet and not induce disorder. Any
munition of war or anything which is dangerous to Korean political
affairs shall not be imported into Korea for sale. These regulations
shall come into operation when the police court and custom-house are
organized, and all will take heed to follow them.
IV. Chinese subjects who have resided in Korea from former times to now
shall have to conform to Article II within thirty days from the date on
which this regulation comes into operation if they wish to participate
in the aforesaid privileges.
Other Chinese coming to Korea afterwards shall not partake of such
privileges or immunities except in the case of the owner or consignor of
merchandise who had his factory or property in the dominion of Korea;
such will be allowed to return to his business.
Chinese subjects as described before who are allowed to come into Korea
shall have to give notice of their arrival to the local authority within
twenty-four hours after landing from their voyage.
V. Chinese may travel from Jen-ch’uan (Chemulpo) to Seoul at full liberty
whether by land or water, but they may not enter the interior. Any
property or merchandise which may have been deposited formerly in the
interior must be taken back by a passport, which permission shall be
issued from our Government.
VI. The Korean Government shall have the right to arrest, imprison, and
expel from out the Kingdom any Chinese resident who is found guilty of
breaking the regulations aforesaid in Korea.
VII. Above laws are not intended to work any injury or interruption to
Korean officers. Further regulations shall the decided upon by the
department of war concerning Chinese residents in accordance with these
regulations.
Any officer of the department of war discovering that Chinese people make
a disturbance to injure our political affairs, or other doubtful
conduct, may arrest and deliver them to the Korean Government at any
time to examine them clearly for punishment or expulsion, according to
their crimes.
VIII. Chinese subjects in Korea shall be controlled by our Government and
criminals shall be judged also by the same. Chinese subjects who make
any charge or complaint against Chinese or against Korean subjects shall
be given a just trial before the Korean Government.
IX. These regulations shall come into operation from the day on which the
same are promulgated.
