In the late 19th century, travelers to Korea were often faced with the daunting task of finding places to stay. Japanese hotels and inns could be found in the open ports but for many Westerners, these were not very comfortable due to the cultural and dietary differences. There were a handful of Western-style hotels - mainly in Jemulpo (modern Incheon) and later in Seoul - but these were fairly expensive, providing they had vacancies. At one point there was even a Korean hotel - but the reviews of it were far from encouraging. For most travelers, staying in a Korean inn was an adventure they wanted nothing to do with.
In the late 19th century, travelers to Korea were often faced with the daunting task of finding places to stay. Japanese hotels and inns could be found in the open ports but for many Westerners, these were not very comfortable due to the cultural and dietary differences. There were a handful of Western-style hotels - mainly in Jemulpo (modern Incheon) and later in Seoul - but these were fairly expensive, providing they had vacancies. At one point there was even a Korean hotel - but the reviews of it were far from encouraging. For most travelers, staying in a Korean inn was an adventure they wanted nothing to do with.
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. This may be true in many cases - but more often than not, without a narrative and context, the picture was more distractive than attractive.
In the late 19th century, Korea was a land filled with danger. Banditry was common, disease was prevalent, demons and ghosts haunted people’s imaginations and beliefs (Korean and f.
In the late 19th century, Korea was a land filled with danger. Banditry was common, disease was prevalent, demons and ghosts haunted people’s imaginations and beliefs (Korean and f.