Colonial Korea

Early Modern Architecture in Korea, 1850s-1950s.

Welcome to Colonial Korea, a website providing historical information, photos, observations, and opinions on Korea’s early modern architectural history and urban development. To read more, please click on the “Articles & Photo Essays” tab or, if you’re looking for something specific, scroll down to use the search function.

Yeosu

February 20, 2017

Situated in the middle of Korea’s southern coastline, the micro-peninsula of Yeosu was heavily influenced by Japanese settlers and Western missionaries during the colonial period. Though the current city government of Yeosu likes to tout its Joseon legacy as related to Yi Sun-shin, this scenic getaway spot has a rich colonial history that deserves much … More Yeosu

Suncheon

August 22, 2016

At the end of the 19th century, the area around Suncheon had long been known as an important military and administrative center. Its early modern and colonial history is not widely known, but it was the events during this time period that led to its gradual urban reformation under Japanese rule. As the former Joseon seat … More Suncheon

Gampo

June 1, 2016

Korea’s eastern coastline is home to a number of port villages that were developed by migrant Japanese settlers during the colonial period. One such village was Gampo, a harbor that sits between present day Pohang and Ulsan. During the Japanese occupation, Gampo’s neighbors were Guryongpo (near Pohang) and Bangeojin (now within present day Ulsan). All three … More Gampo