Zarys przemian społecznych w Korei w okresie 1881-1907 na podstawie fotografii z epoki
Outline of social changes in Korea during 1881 – 1907 based on photography from that period

Summary/Abstract: The article is trying to bring us nearer to the situation in Korea in 19th century. The article is taking into account positions of powers towards Korean Kingdom, especially its nearest neighbours - China, Japan and Russia. Those countries were the most interested in expansion in Korea. Report from travels of Waclaw Sieroszewski contains a lot of information about society and situation in Korea in those days. Those reports were published as monograph for the first time in 1904. The article describes reforms with a view to strengthen the country. Those reforms were undertaken by Korean government and groups of Koreans, for example Modernization Party called „Gachwadarg” (the party was established in 1881) and also reformers concentrated around queen Min. Additionally it contains analysis how the reforms were perceived by the society and what was their influence. There is also quite a lot of information about reforms in Korean army, which was changed from feudal into modern troops. Most of transformations were described and shown on the photographs at the same time. The photographs were taken by foreigners staying at that time in Korea and also the Koreans. The first photographs were taken by unanimous author in sixties of 19th century. They were taken presumably during expedition sent to Korea by Napoleon the 3rd. From that moment photography became constantly present on Korean Peninsula. It showed the life of ordinary people but also important breakthroughs in Korea. It became important source of knowledge about social changes in Korea.

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