Starting in 1976, Stephens traveled throughout South Chungcheong Province conducting demonstration classes and teacher training workshops in dozens of middle schools and high schools. "I also spent summer and winter breaks in training and teaching sessions throughout Korea, from Gwangju to Chuncheon, from Namhae to Jeongju, so I saw a lot of Korea," she said. Stephens admits that neither the technical, nor the aesthetic quality of these photos are high, but she "hopes that along with my sometimes shaky memory of those days, they might be of interest in recalling a Korea that has now, in many ways, passed from the scene forever." "What has not faded or disappeared, however, is the warmth, curiosity and ambition of the Korean people; I saw it then, and I see it today, too," she said.
It is well documented that U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Stephens spent time in Korea in the 70s as a Peace Corps volunteer, but what is not widely known is her love for photography and the countless pictures she took during those two years
U.S. envoy shows a Korea long gone
2010-04-25 16:29
It is well documented that U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Stephens spent time in Korea in the 70s as a Peace Corps volunteer, but what is not widely known is her love for photography and the countless pictures she took during those two years.
"I had a camera, and I enjoyed taking photographs," she said. "But color film and prints were expensive, so I generally took either black and white photos or color slides."
The pictures were taken from 1975-1977 and showcase rural and city life, which are now posted on the U.S. embassy's website.
She explained that cameras were not common in those days, and when people took photos, it tended to be on special occasions.
"As a foreigner, though, everyday life interested me," she said. "I stored these photographs away for many years, but I've brought them back out because so many people have asked me about my memories of that time."
The ambassador added that she has also heard from many young Koreans asking her what Korea used to be like.
Many of the photographs were taken in Yesan, where she taught at Yesan Middle School from 1975-1976.
Starting in 1976, Stephens traveled throughout South Chungcheong Province conducting demonstration classes and teacher training workshops in dozens of middle schools and high schools.
"I also spent summer and winter breaks in training and teaching sessions throughout Korea, from Gwangju to Chuncheon, from Namhae to Jeongju, so I saw a lot of Korea," she said.
Stephens admits that neither the technical, nor the aesthetic quality of these photos are high, but she "hopes that along with my sometimes shaky memory of those days, they might be of interest in recalling a Korea that has now, in many ways, passed from the scene forever."
"What has not faded or disappeared, however, is the warmth, curiosity and ambition of the Korean people; I saw it then, and I see it today, too," she said.
Most of the pictures in the 58-page book come with a brief emotional description.
To view the pictures of a Korea long gone, visit http://seoul.usembassy.gov/113_022610.html
