• Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.273-298
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• 2011

The Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the Chosun dynasty and Japan and the United States of America etc. began signing procedures from Feb. 1876. Thus, Busan port became an open port to foreign vessels in 1876. This has resulted in Busan port becoming the greatest port in Korea. This study explored records which were made by the Chosun dynasty and Japan on the opening and development of Busan port. The results are as follows ; According to making treaties between the Chosun dynasty and foreign countries, Chosun dynasty gradually opened a door to the international community. Various institutions were established in and around Busan port by Chosun and Japan. For example, maritime customs, a court of justice, police station by the Chosun side, a Japanese consulate, the Board of Trade for Japan etc by the Japan side. Records made by or related to these institutions and on the development of the Busan port during the open-port period and the Japanese colonial period were preserved at the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, the National Institute of Korean History, and the Busan Metropolitan Simin Municipal Library.