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| Trolleys and bicycles seem to be the most popular forms of transportation on this day in the South Gate area. Robert Neff Collection |
By Robert Neff
Seoul's appearance is constantly changing ― buildings standing today are gone tomorrow. Here are some images of the city from the 1920-30s. See how many you can recognize and find now.
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| On this postcard of a busy street in Seoul, a woman wrote: "As soon as we were dressed, had breakfast, purchased some brass candlesticks, got a guide + into a rickshaw + away we went. We first visited a large bell which was used many years ago to sound the hours for closing the city gates. Seoul is a walled City + has rather pretty gates." Robert Neff Collection |
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| Pagoda (Tapkol) Park has always been a popular site for tourists and the citizens of Seoul. One early visitor wrote: "This turtle has two holes for nostrils. Because the turtle is sacred, the Korean gentlemen stick tobacco in the holes to sanctify it." Robert Neff Collection |
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| Namsan Peak in the past ― its beauty was sometimes marred by politics. Robert Neff Collection |
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| The Post Office and Bank of Chosen. Robert Neff Collection |
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| The Independence Gate ― built as a symbol of Korea's independence from foreign powers. A little over a decade later, Korea would be deprived of its independence. Robert Neff Collection |
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| Another view of the South Gate district. Robert Neff Collection |
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| Looking toward Gwanghwamun ― a lot has changed. Robert Neff Collection |
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| A view from the South Gate. Robert Neff Collection |
Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books including, Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.
