Photos capture Irish-Korean ties

Irish Ambassador Eamonn McKee in Ganghwa Island, west of Seoul, where his presumed distant relative Lt. Hugh McKee landed in 1871

By Kim Se-jeong

Photographer Ansel Adam said photographs are often looked at, but seldom looked into.

A hundred photographs at the exhibition “History and Vitality: Stories of Ireland, Korea” have a good reason to be looked into.

Some 50 photos are hard evidence that there’s something deeper and richer in the rather unknown Irish and Korean relations, which is people.

Tom Coyner is among those who were critical in the making of contemporary Korea-Ireland relations.

As a long-term resident in Seoul and a businessman, his insight, experience and survival skills are almost like a bible for newcomers in the Irish community in Korea, which is between 700 and 800. The majority are English teachers.

Two Korean War veterans pose with a chestful of medals.

He made a critical contribution to the exhibition which opened March 12, as he is the main contributing photographer for the exhibition.

“I thank Tom Coyner for his contribution,” Irish Ambassador to Korea Eamonn Mckee said, although he couldn’t make it to the opening. He spent six months taking pictures for the exhibition. Amb. Mckee is another contributor.

Apart from his work as an Irish diplomat, he finds himself following in the footsteps of a presumed relative.

Lt. Hugh McKee was among the first Irish-born men to have arrived in Korea. He was part of a 10-men American expedition in June 1871, and died of blood loss from a wound. He himself went to Ganghwa Island where the expedition team reportedly landed at first, and had his picture taken there. That picture is part of the exhibition.

“Ambassador Eamonn McKee came with more peaceful intentions and has received a warmer welcome,” the caption said.

The Irish veterans and religious missionaries are also an important part of the patchwork.

As part of British and American troops, Irish-born soldiers fought for freedom on the Korean Peninsula.

The number of soldiers who were killed is around 30. In April this year, 14 Irish veterans will be in Korea, a first-time visit for them invited by the Korean government.

Since 1927, Irish missionaries have been practicing their faith and compassion on the peninsula.

“By their generosity of heart and spirit of compassion they have created an enduring and positive image of the Irish in Korea,” said one of the captions.

The exhibition opened in St. Patrick’s Day week for which the Irish community and the embassy traditionally prepare several festivals.

This year had a special guest from Ireland: Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sports Leo Varadkar. He was here in connection with the veterans’ visit next month and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The exhibition stays open until March 28.