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Sat, May 26, 2018 | 05:33

Opinion > Blogs > About the past >

After liberation: Train travel in Korea in 1947

In the years immediately following Korea's liberation in 1945, the country's infrastructure had to be rebuilt - especially transportation. In July 1946, the domestically built Korean Liberator, a 10-car streamlined train was put in operation but it wasn't enough.

About the past | 2018-05-20 09:32

All aboard! Traveling through Korea by train in the 1930s

In the mid-1930s, traveling by train through Korea was often, depending on who you were and what class you were traveling, romantic, adventurous and dangerous.

About the past | 2018-05-19 10:04

The first and last rickshaws

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. Fol...

About the past | 2018-05-13 10:21

The Constitution Assembly elections of 1948

The Constitution Assembly elections held on May 10, 1948, have been described as an important milestone in Korean history but they weren't without controversy. Security was obviously one of the largest concerns. Unrest was rampant _ especially on Jeju Island _ and attacks on polling booths throughout the country were anticipated. As a precaution, these booths and police stati...

About the past | 2018-05-12 10:22

Children's Day during the Korean War

In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was devastated by one of the worst tragedies in its recent history - the Korean War. Families were ripped apart - the casualties of different ideologies and the borders they inspired. Those that survived the atrocities of war were often physically, mentally and spiritually maimed. And yet, somehow, people still tried to maintain the traditions of...

About the past | 2018-05-06 09:52

Children's Day in Joseon Korea

One of the most popular holidays in Korea is Children's Day - at least with children. Even teenagers, who generally tend to assert their non-child status, are quick to hypocritically remind their parents that they are still minors and entitled to enjoy the benefits of the day.

About the past | 2018-05-05 10:23

George Lampman and Lee Sook-ei: the epitome of semper fi

In the months leading to the Korean War, George Lampman, a Marine guard at the American Embassy in Seoul, met “the most beautiful woman” he had ever seen, Lee Sook-ei. They were, as Lampman fondly recalls, “meant for each other” and in a traditional Korean Family Register Ceremony - held in her home in Seoul - they were married on December 19, 1950. But in a month, they and h...

About the past | 2018-04-29 16:00

Koryo Mine Part 3: A few dollars and some blisters

In the 1960s, a popular tour for expats living in Seoul was a trip to the Koryo mine in North Gyeongsang Province. The Stars and Stripes - a military newspaper - even promoted it in an article that claimed: “A few dollars and a hike across some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Republic of Korea are all it costs to visit an up-and-coming enterprise which is - quite lite...

About the past | 2018-04-28 11:21

Koryo Mine Part 2: Appeasing the Mountain God

Mining is inherently a dangerous occupation, so it is little wonder that many miners are religious - if not superstitious. The Korean miners at the Koryo Mines were no exception. The “Mountain God” was believed to be responsible for the success or failure of a gold mine; depending on whether it was sufficiently appeased determined whether gold would be found.

About the past | 2018-04-15 10:24

Gold mining in South Korea: Koryo Mines (part 1)

Gold mining in South Korea: Koryo Mines (part 1)

Gold mining on the Korean Peninsula is often associated with North Korea but in the 1960s the Korean Consolidated Mining Company (KCMC) operated several mines in South Korea.

About the past | 2018-04-14 10:55

Koryo Mine Part 2: Appeasing the Mountain God

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