This book will provide deep insights for readers interested in Korean modern history and international relations, while also serving as an important document that sheds new light on the contributions of foreigners to the Korea’s modernization and independence movement.

About Homer Bezaleel Hulbert (1863–1949)

Hulbert was born in 1863 in Vermont, USA, during the height of the American Civil War. He was the second son among three sons and three daughters, born to a father who was a college president and pastor and a mother who was a descendant of the founder of Dartmouth College. After graduating from Dartmouth College and while attending a theological seminary, Hulbert answered King Gojong’s call and set foot in Jemulpo in the summer of 1886 to become Joseon’s first modern teacher.

Upon arriving in Joseon, Hulbert became fascinated by the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, and worked to revive Hunminjeongeum. He deeply appreciated the history and culture of the Korean people, even more so than many Koreans themselves, and laid the foundation for modern education under the belief that “education is the only way to survive.”

Additionally, as a civil rights activist and the emperor’s secret envoy, he fought against Japan’s imperialist aggression. However, in 1907, he was forced to return to the United States due to Japanese persecution. Even in the U.S., he spent 38 years giving lectures, interviews, and writing articles to expose Japan’s illegal actions and appeal for Korea’s independence.

In 1949, after 40 years, Hulbert returned to Korea as a state guest, but he passed away just a week after his arrival. He now rests in Yanghwajin Cemetery, along the banks of the Hangang River.

Chairman of The Hulbert Memorial Society 

Former Managing Director at JPMorganChase

 In 1999, during his tenure as Managing Director and Country Manager of Chase Manhattan Bank, Korea—a predecessor of JPMorganChase—DongJin Kim, along with esteemed colleagues, founded The Hulbert Memorial Society. Under his visionary leadership, the Society has spearheaded numerous initiatives to preserve and promote Homer B. Hulbert’s legacy. Kim’s dedication was instrumental in securing Hulbert’s posthumous honors, including the Order of Merit for Culture and Art-Gold from the Korean government.

Advancing Hulbert’s Legacy into the Future! ㆍ xii
Acknowledgments ㆍ xvi
Hulbert’s Works, Letters, and Newspaper Articles ㆍ xviii
Notes for Readers ㆍ xx

Chapter 1 Hulbert’s Fateful Karma with Joseon
Ahn Junggeun: “Koreans must not forget Hulbert even for a single day” ㆍ 3
Hulbert’s Heart Stirs at the Word “Korea” ㆍ 6
The Hulbert Family Motto: “Character is more fundamental than victory” ㆍ 14
Affection for Korea Sprouts at Yukyeonggongwon (Royal College) ㆍ 19
Korea’s First Literary Diplomat ㆍ 40
A Pioneer in Advocating for the Use of Hangeul (Korean Alphabet) ㆍ 48
Saminpilji (사민필지): A World Gazetteer and the First Textbook Written in Hangeul ㆍ 58

Chapter 2 Missionary, Educator, and Journalist
The Ideal Christian ㆍ 71
A Central Figure in the Founding of the YMCA in Korea ㆍ 80
Hulbert’s Fury: The Japanese Assassination of the Joseon Queen ㆍ 83
Pioneering Korea’s Modern Education ㆍ 93
Education: The Only Means for Survival ㆍ 104
A Dedicated Journalist ㆍ 113
Combating Japanese Abuses to Curb Social Decay ㆍ 119
Appealing to the Powers, Not for Intervention ㆍ 123

Chapter 3 A Pioneer of Korean Studies
An Extraordinary Writer ㆍ 131
A True Icon of Hangeul Devotion ㆍ 134
A Pioneer in the Study of Spoken Korean ㆍ 149
Illuminating Korean Literature through Nature ㆍ 162
The First Western Notation of “Arirang” ㆍ 172
Introducing Korea’s Cultural Heritage to the World ㆍ 181
An Unparalleled Historian ㆍ 194
The History of Korea: An Immortal Work on Korean History ㆍ 202
The Passing of Korea: A Labor of Love for Korea ㆍ 214

Chapter 4 Hulbert’s Destiny: A 50-Year Journey in the Korean Independence Movement
Hulbert: The Conscience of History beyond Race and Borders ㆍ 225
The Revival of Toyotomi’s “Occupy Joseon Project” after 300 Years ㆍ 229
The Emperor’s Special Envoy to Washington: Preventing the Japanese Protectorate in 1905 ㆍ 237
Hulbert’s Frustrations with the Roosevelt Administration ㆍ 247
Civil Rights Activist ㆍ 263
Efforts to Reclaim a Korean Treasure Stolen by a Japanese Minister ㆍ 270
The Emperor’s Special Envoy to the 1907 Hague Peace Conference ㆍ 276

Chapter 5 38 Years of a Korean Independence Movement in the United States
Hulbert’s Solitary Fight for Korean Independence in America ㆍ 299
A Lonely Voice for Korea among Pro-Japanese Intellectuals ㆍ 305
Return to Korea in 1909: Leaving Behind a Last Will and Testament ㆍ 312
“I Stand for Korean People, Now and Always … Until I Die” ㆍ 318
Roosevelt Acknowledges His Complicity in Japan’s Occupation of Korea ㆍ 327
The March First Manse (만세) Uprising: A God-Given Right for Koreans ㆍ 336
“What About Korea?” A Resolute Appeal to the U.S. Senate ㆍ 344
The Love of Korean People: My Most Precious Possession ㆍ 355
Hulbert’s Views on Japan and Gojong ㆍ 366

Chapter 6 The Emperor’s Deposit-Stolen by the Japanese-Must Be Returned to Korea
The Third Calling from Emperor Gojong ㆍ 373
Hulbert’s Struggle to Recover the Stolen Deposit ㆍ 387
Rectify a Past Injustice by Recovering the Stolen Deposit ㆍ 392

Chapter 7 “I would rather be buried in Korea than in Westminster Abbey”
Returned to Korea after 40 Years ㆍ 397
Hulbert: Who Loved Korea More Than Koreans Themselves ㆍ 414
Homer Hulbert’s Spirit Lives On ㆍ 422

Hulbert’s Works ㆍ 431
The Life of Homer Bezaleel Hulbert ㆍ 433
Chronicle of Korea’s Enlightenment Period (1864-1910) ㆍ 438
References ㆍ 444
Index ㆍ 449
About the Author ㆍ 460
The Hulbert Memorial Society ㆍ 462