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Unhyungung isn't a palace even though it was labelled as one. Unhyungung is the personal house of 흥선대원군, father of 고종 the 26th king/emperor of the Joseon Dynasty. Even though Unhyungung isn't a palace it is significant because many political acts that kept Joseon together was discussed and passed. The most important decision that 흥선대원군 made at the time was limiting trade with foreign countries. After China, a country Joseon looked up to surrendered to England over trade, 흥선대원군 feared that Joseon would lose it's traditional ways of life. He made a decision of banning al trade and relations with foreign countries. By making his decision he was able to conserve Korean Culture and ideology, because trade isn't only about trading objects but it is also about sharing ideas. Even though 흥선대원군 wanted to preserve the traditional culture by limiting foreign affairs 명성황우 wanted to accept the western culture and ideas. In the longterm, I think 명성황우's ideas would have helped Korea thrive because while Korea isolated themselves for a short period of time, foreign countries like China and Japan developed. I think both 흥선대원군 and 명성황우's idea's of politics had their own pro's and con's regarding short term and longterm views on the issue. But 흥선대원군's decision of limiting trade helped Korea preserve its culture. |
