The Seoul Electric Company (Han-sung Chunki Hwesa) was established in 1898. The Company was commissioned to provide electric train system (electric street car service) and electric lighting (including a network of street lamps) in Seoul, the capital city of Korea. The factors that form the background of the establishment of the Seoul Electric Company can be summarized as followings: First factor was the growing awareness about Western science; The Electricity, among other Western science, technology, and industry, was perceived as having great (immediate) utility and economic benefits. Second major factor can be found in the political need; Emperor Gojong and the new Korean government recognized a need to establish a modern transportation system as a foundation for the reform program. Furthermore, Emperor Gojong felt electric train and light were suitable modern embellishment befitting Seoul, now elevated to the status of the capital city of the Empire. The third factor reflects the personal disposition of the Emperor himself; Emperor Gojong entertained the idea of building an alternative means of transportation to make his regular visit to the Hong Rung (洪陵), the tomb of his queen consort, now the Empress Myung Sung, more comfortable and convenient. But the early Korean attempt to adopt advanced Western technology and industry, represented by the establishment and operations of the Seoul Electric Company, proved to be unsuccessful. This was brought about by an absence of independent management, active efforts for technology transfer and indigenization, and training of engineers. Such a result was exacerbated by the practice of the American subcontractors. The lack of success also reflected the general attitude of Korean reformers to foreign technology and industry. This study of the experience of Seoul Electric Company, in conclusion, gives evidence to the difficulty of modernization or adoption of foreign science, technology, and industry which are built on wide-ranging infrastructure and pattern of practices beyond the immediate particular 'artifact'. This case study also shows that technology transfer or indigenization of new technology may not be a purely technical issue but one that is variously influenced by political decisions, personal dispositions, and commitment of the society.