The unequal treaties were a series of agreements made between Asian countries – most notably Qing China, Tokugawa Japan and Joseon Korea – and Western countries – most notably the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, the United States and Russia – during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were often signed following a military defeat suffered by the Asian party, or amid military threats made by the Western party. The terms specified obligations to be borne almost exclusively by the former party and included provisions such as the cession of territory, payment of reparations, opening of treaty ports, relinquishment of the right to control tariffs and imports, and granting of extraterritoriality to foreign citizens.
The Italy–Korea Treaty of 1884 was negotiated between representatives of Italy and Korea.
The Russia–Korea Treaty of 1884 was negotiated between representatives of Russia and Korea.
The Germany–Korea Treaty of 1883 was negotiated between representatives of Germany and Korea.
The United Kingdom–Korea Treaty of 1883 was negotiated between representatives of the United Kingdom and Korea.
The Austria–Korea Treaty of 1892 was negotiated between representatives of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Joseon Korea.
The Belgium–Korea Treaty of 1901 was negotiated between representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Korean Empire.
The Denmark–Korea Treaty of 1902 was negotiated between representatives of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Korean Empire.
The China–Korea Treaty of 1882 was negotiated between representatives of the Qing dynasty China and the Joseon dynasty in October 1882. This agreement has been described as the Joseon-Qing Communication and Commerce Rules; and it has been called the Sino-Korean Regulations for Maritime and Overland Trade. The treaty remained in effect until 1895. After 1895, China lost its influence over Korea because of the First Sino-Japanese War.
