Korean Image Archive preserves visual legacy
A street in Incheon's Bupyeong District in the late 1950s by Allen Blair Thompson / Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
In an age where digital technology allows for instant documentation, editing and filters, the value of authentic and unedited historical photographs has only grown. Korean Image Archive is a remarkable project dedicated to preserving and sharing rare, historical photographs of South Korea — particularly those captured by Americans stationed in the country during the mid-20th century. This initiative, which began in an unexpected yet deeply personal way, is now becoming an essential resource for researchers, historians and curators.
A family legacy turned archive
The actual origins of Korean Image Archive date back to 1957 when Allen Blair Thompson, a U.S. Army engineer stationed at the ASCOM City military base in Incheon’s Bupyeong District, began taking photographs of the surrounding neighborhoods and people.
Allen Blair Thompson in Korea / Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Armed with a camera and rolls of 35mm color film, he unintentionally started a collection that would grow into a significant historical record. It was during his explorations that he met his future wife, a Korean woman working in a local market.
Blair KH Naujok / Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Their marriage would eventually lead to the preservation of these images, which his wife safeguarded until they were passed down to their grandchild, Blair KH Naujok, who founded Korean Image Archive due to having ample free time in 2021 during the pandemic.
Today, the archive consists of over 2,700 original photographs, all stemming from the initial 300 slides taken by his grandfather, Allen Blair Thompson. What began as a personal keepsake has grown into an invaluable historical collection, offering rare glimpses into life in post-war South Korea.
Personal and cultural
The motivation behind Korean Image Archive is both personal and historical. Blair KH Naujok, who spent four years living in Seoul, initially sought to understand his own family’s heritage but soon realized a broader purpose. He recognized that many U.S. military personnel and diplomats had also documented Korea through photography, yet much of this imagery remained scattered across personal belongings and forgotten photo albums throughout the U.S.
A woman and a child in Korea in 1951 / Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Korea’s modern history is deeply intertwined with the United States, and much of the 20th-century imagery of the country exists due to American access to color film — something that wasn’t widely available in the nation at the time. Many such photographs ended up in the hands of museums or private collections, but a vast amount remains undiscovered in attics, storage boxes and flea markets across the U.S. Korean Image Archive seeks to recover and repatriate these images digitally, making them accessible for research and appreciation.
By collecting, preserving and sharing these images, Korean Image Archive serves as a bridge between these overlooked histories and contemporary audiences, ensuring that the visual record of Korea’s past is not lost to time.
Americans and a Korean woman, identities unknown, ride in a boat near Daegu in the 1950s. Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly used for image restoration and enhancement, Korean Image Archive has chosen a different path. Each photograph is scanned with meticulous care at the highest possible quality, ensuring no artificial alterations compromise its historical integrity. This dedication to authenticity reinforces the archive’s commitment to treating these photographs as artifacts — each one a tangible piece of history. Every image on file comes from an original, physical photo artifact (35mm color slides, black-and-white photo prints, 8mm film reels), which the archive owns, collects and preserves.
A city view in southern Seoul's Myeong-dong in the 1950s Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Historians appreciate this approach, as it allows for accurate readings of minute details, such as dates on signs in the background of images. Rather than relying on AI-driven enhancements, the archive focuses on high-resolution scanning to preserve the photographs in their most authentic form.
One of the significant concerns in historical archiving is image ownership and rights. Recent controversies, such as allegations of image theft by certain online accounts, highlight the importance of ethical handling and proper attribution. Korean Image Archive ensures that all images in its collection come from verifiable sources and are treated with the respect they deserve.
Operating an independent archive comes with its own set of challenges, primarily financial sustainability. The project is largely self-funded, with occasional support from individual donors and licensing agreements. Unlike larger institutions with dedicated funding, Korean Image Archive relies on personal dedication and community interest to continue its work.
Korean airmen pose in front of a hydraulic shop on Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, 1960. Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Retracing his grandfather’s steps
Blair never had the opportunity to meet his grandfather, yet the project has allowed for a unique connection across generations. Retracing the same streets his grandfather once walked and viewing Korea through his lens has provided deeply personal insights into his experiences. The fact that he took numerous street portraits suggests a comfort and curiosity about his surroundings that resonates even today.
Through Korean Image Archive, Blair has not only strengthened his bond with South Korea but also deepened his understanding of his own family history. Examining the world his grandmother grew up in provided a valuable context on how it shaped her life and, in turn, how she influenced the succeeding generations.
A guiding philosophy of the project is encapsulated in the quote: “You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” By preserving these images, the archive helps individuals and communities connect with their past.
A sign welcomes U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson at Kimpo International Airport (now Gimpo) in 1966. Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Collaborations and contributions
Beyond preservation, the archive has collaborated with academics and artists to bring history to life. Some of its photographs appeared in Yuri Doolan’s 2024 book "The First Amerasians," which explores the experiences of the first generation of mixed-race Koreans — a group that includes the founder’s mother. Additionally, experimental filmmaker Heehyun Choi has used images from the archive to examine the act of seeing in her works.
The photographs have also been featured in exhibitions, including one in Incheon, and in history books such as "The Lives of Women in Incheon and the Bupyeong District U.S. Military Base." What started as a personal collection has now found its way into broader historical narratives, ensuring that these images reach audiences who can appreciate their significance.
Civilian workers hang out in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, 1961. Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
The future of Korean Image Archive
The archive’s future goals include expanding its collection by encouraging more photo donations from individuals in the U.S. and increasing its presence in Korea. Though it was established while Blair was living in the United States, he is now exploring potential exhibitions and events in Korea that would allow these images to be shared more widely within the country they depict.
Haenyeo, or women divers, work at the shore in Pohang, 1955. Courtesy of Korean Image Archive
Ultimately, Korean Image Archive is not just about photographs — it is about storytelling, history and identity. By preserving and sharing these images, it provides a window into the past while helping shape a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural and historical landscape. As the archive continues to grow, so too does its role in bridging generations and geographies, ensuring that these visual memories remain part of our collective history.
Visit koreanimage.com to enter Korean Image Archive.
Nilesh Kumar is a film curator from England. His diverse portfolio includes co-founding, programming and curating an underground cinema and gallery in Seoul, as well as curating an exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Korean cinema. He has also showcased a tribute to the South Korean modern classic, "Oldboy" (2003) by Park Chan-wook, bringing global audiences closer to the rich tapestry of Korean film history.