The first and last rickshaws

Was this the last rickshaw in Seoul, May 1948.

By Robert Neff

The first rickshaws in Korea were likely introduced sometime in 1883 by a Japanese man known only as Fuyeiko, who was in Seoul "hunting for a position." It isn't clear what position he was seeking but he did bring over 50 rickshaws and apparently sold a number of them. Unfortunately, the owners were unfamiliar with the proper operation of the chairs and many were damaged. Following the Gapsin Coup in December 1884, many people associated the rickshaws with the Japanese and destroyed most of them.

But there were at least a few rickshaws that escaped the mobs' wrath. In the late spring of 1885, a group of missionaries ― including a couple of women ― described their experience with riding in a rickshaw from Jemulpo [modern Incheon] to Seoul:

"First the rickshaw runners were new to their job. They would release the handlebar suddenly and we as suddenly were feet up! They would not notice a ditch and slow up, but plump into it went the wheels with a resultant bump for the rider! After a sufficient number of these unpleasantnesses an exchange was made, the baggage was put into the rickshaws and the ladies on the ponies. Now the pack-saddles on the ponies were made for carrying loads of unfeeling wood and not for sensitive humans! So after our arrival, one lady was in bed a week, the other three days! I leave to your imagination the reason why."

Despite the early setbacks, rickshaws eventually became quite popular ― even with thieves and robbers. According to the Korea Review (1903):

"Burglars and robbers are getting bold in this city and doing their work in style. A number of houses have been robbed by men who ride about in jinrikshas [rickshaw]. A number raided the home of a high official not long ago. They rode up in jinrickshas, alighted, were invited in as friends, and then with drawn knives and pistols they held up all that were in the house and robbed at will."

Rickshaws remained a part of urban Seoul life until just after the liberation from Japan in 1945 when automobiles and taxis became more numerous. The rickshaw was one of the first forms of modern transportation imported to Korea, and was one of the first to disappear ― ironically a victim of modernization.

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