Sleepless in Seoul in 1901: Placating the gods

Under watchful eyes, circa 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection

By Robert Neff

For many Koreans, 1901 was a year filled with deficiencies. One of the most pressing was the lack of rain that many superstitious people thought was a sign of displeasure from the gods.

In July, sacrifices were made throughout the country in hope of bringing the much-needed rain. Along the Han River, several bags of coins and a number of pigs were thrown into the water in hope of appeasing the gods.

In other places, high officials offered sacrifices at the Ancestral Tablet Halls. There first offerings were apparently not accepted ― it wasn't until the fifth offering did the gods deign to grant moderate showers to the region, but they were not enough to save the rice crops.

The court officials tried to assure Emperor Gojong there would be no shortages of rice and other staples but they were lying ― things were beginning to look bleak.

Adding to the misery of the people, rice merchants began price gouging. At the beginning of summer, the price of rice was 400 cash per measure but, due to price gouging, had climbed to just over 700 cash. The government quickly interceded and began arresting merchants. As a consequence, the price of rice dropped to 500 cash.

Laboring in the fields, circa 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection

There were other fears. A leopard began prowling Gyeongbok Palace and preying on the deer. Rabid dogs roamed the streets and bit anyone they came across. Several people at the Russian legation ― including one of the Russian ambassador's children ― had to be treated for rabies.

There was also a problem with the dead. Not everyone who died stayed dead.

In Yeongyang County of North Gyeongsang Province, a 13-year-old boy died and then three days later sprang back to life. According to him, the peninsula was about to experience a great epidemic that he called Hak-gwi (literal translation is "crane spirit") and that the only way to ward off a disease was take 300 doses of a formula that he would teach them.

What became of this young prophet is unclear but apparently the disease ― unless it was another name for famine ― never materialized.

Not everything associated with three is bad. On June 25, Seoul was thrown into a ferment of excitement when a woman gave birth to a set of triplets. What made this event even more amazing was the triplets were all boys.

In the past, the Korean monarch would send a bag of food to the parents in congratulations for the blessed event but, considering the food shortage and the dire events plaguing the country, it is doubtful if the emperor followed the tradition.

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books including, Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.

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