VOC was greatly concerned trading with Joseon, so it built the Corea, a ship for direct trade with Joseon after Hamel and his mates retuned to their country. Unfortunately, everything they did came to nothing.

Why did VOC decided to give up?

First, VOC considered that profits from trade with Japan weremore important than trade with Joseon which put them at great risks.


VOC's trade with Japan was at the height ofits prosperity during 1652-1671 and VOC took pride in Japan as the biggest hope of its profit from land trade with India (East Asia). Losing the VOC branch in Japan meant to lose the most important foothold in the whole of Asia. So, transferring the VOC branch's large profits made from Japan will be put into danger with the other European powers.

Second, Japan was very wary of VOC's attempt to have trade with Joseon.


Although there were few records about how Japan took measures to contain VOC's trade with Joseon in detail, such example as the exclusive right to have trade with Joseon of Tsushima inferred some checks. From a Japanese point of view, VOC's trade with Joseon was not good and will not bring benefit to it.

Finally, Joseon's type of international relations may contribute to this significantly.

At that time, Joseon executed a policy of prohibiting sea activity, maintaining selective international relations. In particular, Joseon was unwilling to have foreign relations except some countries such as China, Japan, or Ryukyu Islands.

According to some records, it can be guessed that Joseon would avoid contacting Netherlands, even if the Corea attempted trade negotiations, because Joseon did not want the Ching Dynasty to have a doubt as to its relations with the West.


Based on these several situations, VOC may reach a conclusion that Joseon was an improper trading partner and so it withdrew its plan to have trade with Joseon.