Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.
Visions of the Korean War
A city divided during the war. Circa 1950-51. Robert Neff Collection
By Robert Neff
A prisoner of war at Koje Island camp. Robert Neff Collection
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words but some images have more to say than a mere thousand words.
They speak about loss and pain, innocence and fear. Some are of tranquil scenes ― almost untouched by war ― while others vividly portray the destruction wrought when ideologies collide.
The stories told are not only by the subjects in the pictures but by the person taking the picture. What went through each of their minds as the pictures were taken? Why did they feel this image needed to be preserved?
Most of the people are probably gone now but their stories will live on forever ― retold each time someone looks at these pictures.
(These images are from defunct newspaper archives or photo albums from veterans of the war)
A Greek officer's view of Seoul in 1952. Robert Neff Collection
Life goes on even during a war. Robert Neff Collection
American soldiers questioning suspected North Korean boy soldiers in 1950. Robert Neff Collection
A Korean village untouched by war in 1952. Robert Neff Collection
The massacre at Daejon Prison in October 1950. Robert Neff Collection
On the road to Cheorwon in 1952. Robert Neff Collection
Dependable transportation. Robert Neff Collection
A dreary street view of Busan in January 1951. Robert Neff Collection