The Kingdom of Chosen (Korea)

[Galveston Bay]

The Kingdom of Korea is TL 3, agrarian and a population of 14 million
The Joseon dynasty has ruled the kingdom for 5 centuries, has an efficient and fairly honest civil service and since its defeat of both Japanese and Qing invasions, has paid nominal tribute to the Qing Dynasty in China and ignored the existance of Japan except for annual meetings at the island of Tsushima to trade misplaced fishermen and politely discuss matters of concern. King Jeongjo thwarted an assissination plot in 1800 and crushed traditionalists who wanted to expel Catholic priests and execute those converted. Traditionally the Kingdom has had limited trade with Portugal and the Netherlands, but the newly crowned King Sunjo has decided that it is worth while opening up trade and contact with other nations.

The old King (who passed away early in 1825) and his son (the new King) have been discussing the increased activity of Western traders in the Far East, watching with interest as the Japanese continue to restrict trade to Nagasaki (although increasingly looking away as trade is picking up with the British at Okinawa), and Chinese efforts to continue to limit any Western trade through the port of Canton (Guangzhou). With a large border with Manchuria, the Koreans see a way to make themselves middle men with China and perhaps also for the Russians, whose ports freeze every winter.

The Korean government sends ambassadors to contact the Russians to the north, the British in Okinawa and also passes on through the Dutch that they too are invited for discussions.

Korea
TL 3 agrarian
population 14 million (head count taxes pay civil service)
Craft Centers: Seoul
Resources: Iron, Coal
minor ports: Fusan, Wensan, Seoul,
infrastructure: 2 (6 road hexes)
other income: 1 (a basic banking structure)
total income: 9

army: 1 infantry regiment (Royal Guard), 24 garrison brigades (2 expeditionary armies)
navy: 10 brigs (actually Junks)
military maintenance 3.5 points
spending 4.5 points annually on road and other infrastructure improvements

[Lefty]

The German Trade Office announces to the Korean officials in Hamburg that a fleet of two newly-commissioned trade fleets will be traveling to Korea bringing goods for trade including German firearms and two cannons. Additionally, a diplomat, trade official, and defense attache are also sent to establish European-style relations.

The Trade Office notes it would like a full report of the political situation and recommendations on how to best navigate the Qing Tributary system.