Spotlight: Han Youngsoo's 1950s Post-War Korea - Invisible Photographer Asia (IPA)

Photograph © Hanyoungsoo Foundation.

Youngsoo Han’s 1950s Post-War Korea

“The war had taken away many things. Not only had it mercilessly trampled down on our beloved families and neighbors, but also their happiness, hope, and furthermore humanity itself. As if that wasn’t enough, by the end it had utterly destroyed everything on the face of the earth leaving behind ruins, despair, famine and sorrow….

Though struggling with the multifaceted after-effects of Korean war, the 1950’s was period of recovery. I was able to find hope watching cities and rural communities being rebuilt, in bustling the markets and the sparkling eyes of children the laughter I had forgotten. Slowly but steadily I was recovering my own humanity.” Text by Youngsoo Han from “Life”

Han Youngsoo, born in 1933 in Gaesung, started his career as a photographer in 1958 with the Shinsunwhue (The New Line Group), Korea’s first ever photographic forum. He photographed Korea’s growth and change for 3 decades. Han passed away in the year 1999 in Seoul, South Korea.

More about Han Youngsoo on Han Youngsoo Foundation 한영수문화재단