This master's thesis deals with the topic of modernization of communication means in Korea during the late 19th century, namely with the intruduction, organizational structure and development process of the West-inspired postal system in 1884-1905. It further examines the extent of actual utility, accessibility and importance of postal services from the perspective of the then Korean society and government. This work is divided into two parts. The first one covers approximately the first half of 1880's, exploring the situation regarding the very brief existence of the first Korean post office, Ujŏngch'ongguk. This part also briefly deals with the alternative medium of modern communication, telegraph. It was, however, not until more than 10 years after the abolishment of the first post office that Korean postal services were resumed. In the second part of the thesis I inquire into the postal system's development throughout the period of so-called kabo reforms (1894-96) and the Korean Empire (1897-1905).