A picture is worth a thousand words. That’s certainly the case with the following collection of stunning photographs taken in Korea between 1890 and 1903 by visiting foreigners. The diverse, everyday scenes they depict shed light on the lifestyles of people at the time. Interestingly, this pictorial set was circulated around the Internet in Thailand, where people were surprised to see such vast differences in lifestyle as compared to the lives of South Koreans portrayed in modern-day K-dramas…a lot can change in a hundred years! You don’t want to miss a single one of these photos or the reactions of Thai people after seeing them!
Let’s begin with a little history review. The Joseon Era of Korean history spanned from 1392-1897. It was the last dynasty in Korean history, as well as the longest-ruling Confucian dynasty. Besides several foreign invasions from neighboring countries, the era was marked by a number of significant cultural achievements, including the relocation of the capital to what is now modern-day Seoul, the construction of Gyeongbok Palace in 1395 (the greatest of the “Five Grand Palaces” built at the time), and the promulgation of the hangul writing system by King Sejong in 1446, possibly the world’s most rational alphabet (and for which there is a national holiday to celebrate on October 9 of every year in South Korea). The Joseon Era was followed by the short-lived Korean Empire in 1897, which saw the modernization of several domestic industries. After that, you may then recall from your high school history class that Korea became a protectorate of Japan and was formally annexed in 1910.
Here’s the collection of historical photographs, followed by the reactions of Thai people. Enjoy!
▼ Girls trying out new parasols
▼ Smoking, gambling, and gossiping
▼ The family of a high official
▼ A shortcut to Seoul
▼ Children climbing on the city wall
▼ A bustling alleyway in Pyongyang
▼ A path in Seoul
▼ Grinding beans (Seoul)
▼ Dining at a cheap eatery (Seoul)
▼ Selling chickens (Seoul)
▼ Carrying charcoal (Seoul)
▼ The Han River near the present-day Yongsan District of Seoul
▼ On a road in Seoul
▼ Elderly teacher smoking a long pipe at school (Seoul)
▼ Fishermen on the outskirts of Seoul
▼ Blacksmith working on a horse (Seoul)
▼ Koreans under a large Japanese national flag; note the smaller Korean flag next to it
▼ People erecting something (?)
▼ Officials of the Imperial Department of Communications, Seoul, 1903
▼ Three men in front of a Buddhist temple
▼ Koreans praying to some statues
▼ Two happy men sifting grains on a road in Incheon
▼ A lady of high stature
▼ An elderly man with a pack, 1899 or 1900
▼ A boys school in Seoul, 1903
▼ A married couple visiting relatives, 1903
▼ A minister of the army with his son and grandchildren
▼ Min Yun Huan, the Chief Commander of the Korean army, Seoul, 1900
▼ A wedding ceremony (Seoul)
▼ (Wedding ceremony continued)
▼ Men carrying lots of luggage on a mountain near Seoul
▼ Seoul’s “first-class transportation system”
▼ An upper-class girl being transported in a wooden litter (Seoul)
▼ A happy-looking grandmother and children (Seoul)
▼ A popular cheap restaurant (Seoul)
Here are some of the comments posted by Thai people after seeing the photos:
“The pipes are so long!”
“It looks just like in historical films.”
“Wow, Korea really underwent rapid industrialization after that!”
“I was deceived by all the beautiful faces in Dae Jang Geum [one of the most successful historical Korean dramas throughout Asia]!”
(Response to comment above) “All dramas are like that…”
“Show us more pictures from North Korea.”
(Response to comment above) “Umm, at that time Korea hadn’t been divided yet…”
“Korea’s development depended on where it was being controlled by. After that, North Korea was influenced by China, and South Korea by the US.”
“Is there a book about why Korea modernized so quickly? I’m really interested to know.”
“Korea took a crisis and turned it into opportunity. But Thailand takes an opportunity and turns it into a crisis…”
Were you surprised at any of the things portrayed in the photos? Do you think historical dramas accurately capture the essence of everyday life back then?
Source/Images: Thailog
Japanese video shows what life was like in Tokyo and Mt Fuji over 100 years ago
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says