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Fri, May 29, 2020 | 20:11

Tough times: Russia lures 19th century Koreans

Tough times: Russia lures 19th century Koreans

In the 19th century, life in the northeastern part of the Korean peninsula was filled with hardships. The harsh environment, predations by wild animals and outlaws, heavy taxes and the perceived prejudice of the government in Seoul for the region caused many to wander elsewhere seeking better opportunities. For many, Russia was the land of opportunity.

2019-06-01 13:27

Homegrown hits: The Korean circus comes to town (part two)

Homegrown hits: The Korean circus comes to town (part two)

Wandering troupes of performers - known as the namsadang - were very popular in Korea during the late 19th century. They were so popular that Horace N. Allen, the American minister to Korea, claimed they could quell political dissent and scheming amongst the Korean population - at least while they were “feasting eyes and ears” on the performances.

2019-05-26 12:09

Roll up, roll up: The circus comes to town in 1920 (part one)

Roll up, roll up: The circus comes to town in 1920 (part one)

Circuses have been described as some of the greatest shows on earth and in the past were very popular. They were mesmerizing with their colorful pomp, acrobatic displays and exotic animals and curiosities. Their arrival in towns and cities drew large crowds - men, women and children - all eager to be entertained.

2019-05-25 10:01

Homegrown hits: The Korean circus comes to town (part two)

Streetcars: The curse of Western modernization

Streetcars: The curse of Western modernization

The introduction of streetcars to Seoul was declared “the first step towards civilization in 'the Hermit Kingdom,'” but many within the kingdom viewed it as an affront to their beliefs and a threat to their livelihood.

2019-05-19 09:19

History in the making: Seoul's streetcars and Buddha's birthday

History in the making: Seoul's streetcars and Buddha's birthday

On the morning of May 17, 1899, the streets of Seoul were filled with crowds of people who had gathered not only to celebrate Buddha's birthday but also to witness history being made - the introduction of streetcars to Korea. The official inauguration wasn't for another week but out of prudence - and possibly the desire to advertise - the Seoul Electric Railroad Company (SERC...

2019-05-18 09:53

Foreign sailors cut up rough in Jemulpo in 1897

Foreign sailors cut up rough in Jemulpo in 1897

In the 1890s, Russian sailors were a tough, hard-drinking lot but, surprisingly, in Korea, there weren't that many violent encounters between native Russian sailors and the residents of the ports. But the same couldn't be said for the non-native Russian sailors. Like many of the Western countries, Russia's navy was made up of a number of different nationalities.

2019-05-12 10:38

Russians make headlines in Korean newspapers in 1890s

Russians make headlines in Korean newspapers in 1890s

In 1897, Russia enjoyed great prestige and political power in Korea. The previous year, King Gojong and the Crown Prince had sought and been granted refuge in the Russian legation - largely protected by the Russian military. This led to Russian officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) training the Korean army and a Russian made the financial adviser to the Korean governm...

2019-05-11 07:05

The Skeebo: terror in the dark

The Skeebo: terror in the dark

Like many young American men in the early 1950s, Fred Dustin was sent to Korea to fight in the Korean War. After completing his service in 1953, he returned to home in Bellingham, Washington, and resumed his studies. Despite the distance, he maintained an interest in the affairs of the peninsula and even convinced his parents to host a couple of young Korean soldiers for a sh...

2019-05-05 09:40

Fred Dustin: Remembering a great supporter of Korea

Fred Dustin: Remembering a great supporter of Korea

In 1955, Fred Dustin, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, returned to Korea after completing his degree in the United States. He had been recruited by The Asia Foundation and was the first English teacher to arrive.

2019-05-04 10:54

Hats off to 'the permanent black halo'

Hats off to 'the permanent black halo'

One of the most important articles of clothing to Koreans in the late 19th century was the hat. The elderly man with his majestic black horse-hair hat often seen in pictures is the iconic image of Korean male society during the Joseon era.

2019-04-28 11:56

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