Korean girl, 1900's

Additional information

This powerful sepia-toned photograph captures a young Korean child laborer from the late Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) or early Korean Empire (1897–1910) period. The child, dressed in a traditional long overcoat, stands barefoot on uneven ground, carrying a heavy load strapped to their back. The bundle consists of wooden sticks, tools, and household items, indicating that the child may have been a servant, street worker, or part of a poor rural familystruggling to make a living.

The child’s solemn expression and weary posture tell a poignant story of hardship and resilience. Their gaze is directed toward the camera, offering a glimpse into the difficult realities of working-class life in historical Korea. The background, featuring a stone wall and a wooden door, suggests a rural or village setting, emphasizing the humble environment in which the subject lived and worked.

This rare and historically significant image provides an authentic look at the struggles of children in pre-modern Korea, capturing a moment in time when labor was a necessity for survival. The photograph serves as a stark contrast to the idealized images of nobility and royalty often associated with this era, highlighting the lives of the less privileged.

This reproduction is ideal for historians, collectors, and educators seeking a powerful and thought-provoking representation of Korean history. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of past generations and the evolution of labor rights and social structures over time.