The Korean Repository was the name for both a monthly English-language magazine published in Korea from January 1892 to December 1898 and a successor weekly newspaper from around February to June 1899.[1] It was the first English-language monthly magazine published in Korea.[2]
The magazine was originally founded by Methodist missionaries.[3] Its first issue was released in January 1892.[2][1] American Korean independence activistHomer Hulbert was a notable contributor to the journal.[2] For example, he contributed a number of articles in which he praised the native Korean alphabet Hangul.[2] Hulbert returned to the United States in 1891, and the publication went on hiatus around 1892.[2][4] When Hulbert returned in 1893, he took over the Trilingual Press and resumed publication of The Korean Repository.[2]
The journal published on a variety of topics, including current events, Korean history, Korean studies, and even geopolitics. It analyzed Korea's relationship with the Russian Empire at the time.[1] The journal also published articles from Koreans, with notable politicians such as Yun Chi-ho contributing writing.[4] Hulbert later assisted the first private Korean newspaper, Tongnip sinmun, with its establishment and printing technology.[2]
In later years, it often sharply criticized the Empire of Japan's actions and policies in Korea.[3]
Cover of the April 20, 1899 weekly newspaper
The magazine ceased publication in 1898. It was briefly revived as a weekly newspaper with four or six pages[1] from February[5] to June 1899. Later, in 1901, Hulbert published The Korea Review with a similar format and content to The Korean Repository.[1]
The journal and newspaper are now considered valuable resources for understanding the politics, culture, and history of Korea around that period.[1]
