By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Korean Image Archive

Launched in 2021, the Korean Image Archive preserves the nation's history through a collection of old photographs of the country discovered in the U.S. This volunteer organization has 2,757 original images, primarily from before 1970.

Allen Blair Thompson, the grandfather of the archive's founder Blair KH Naujok, served in Korea as a helicopter mechanic for the U.S. Army. Naujok, who is part Korean and has the Korean name Kang-hyeok, also lived in Korea but moved back to the U.S. after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

He discovered his grandfather's collection of photos taken in Korea when Thompson served there from 1957-61. During the lockdown, Naujok began the archive.  

The following are excerpts from a March 20-24 email interview with Naujok.

These are market stalls in Incheon's Bupyeong-gu District in the 1950s and 60s.

What is the origin and mission of the Korean Image Archive?

My grandparents laid the archive's foundation 60 years ago through my grandfather's photographs taken at a military base in Incheon's Bupyeong-gu District. After inheriting this collection and moving back to the U.S. from Seoul during the COVID-19 pandemic, I combined my archival experience with these materials to establish the archive. Our mission is to enrich modern-day Korea's connection to its past by preserving and providing access to these historical photographs.

How does the collection process work?

We source images through channels including online auctions, antique stores, militaria shows and social media donations. Our collection spans from the 1920s to 1970, covering both Koreas across 180 subject galleries. Rather than focusing on periods, we preserve any Korea-related historical images that come our way.

A mixed-race child (left) is photographed in the 1950s and on the right is a street scene from Incheon's Bupyeong-gu District between 1957 and 1961.

Which photo stands out to you?

One particularly meaningful piece is a 1950s color photo of a mixed-race Korean child, which powerfully illustrates Korea's complex history. The image captures the early presence of mixed-race Koreans in society through its compelling composition and symbolism.

What collaborations have you had and what are your plans for the archive?     

We've collaborated in several projects including Yuri Doolan's book "The First Amerasians." Looking ahead, we're expanding our reach through a Korean-language Instagram page, increasing our YouTube presence and planning an exhibition in Korea. Through these efforts, we want viewers to better understand how history shapes our present and recognize our shared human connections across time.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.