The Treaty of Ganghwa was signed in 1876 between the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Korea. This agreement marked the beginning of Japan's influence over Korea, establishing it as a protectorate. The treaty allowed Japan to open Korean ports to trade and granted Japanese citizens extraterritorial rights. The treaty was significant as it ended Korea's period of isolation and led to increased foreign intervention in the region. It also set the stage for further Japanese dominance, culminating in the annexation of Korea in 1910. The treaty is often viewed as a pivotal moment in Korea's modern history.