조선인의 사진체험담 연구

Abstract

In 1876, through a contract of ‘Korea-Japan Treaty of 1876', Joseon dynasty government have formed a diplomatic relation with the Japanese government and they started to open the country to foreign intercourse. For this reason, there were various Joseon delegations for diplomatic relations with Japan, US and other European countries. It was in the same context of Yeonhaengsa who had been delegated to China before as a diplomatic operation. There were few kinds of ambassadors after the contract of ‘Korea-Japan Treaty'. They are ‘Sushinsa' were delegated to Japan, ‘Youngsunsa' were detached to China for advanced military technology and skills and ‘Bobingsa' were dispatched to express thanks to assigned of US diplomatic minister residing in Korea peninsula, after contracting of ‘Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation, United States–Korea Treaty of 1882'. These various delegations had experience visiting local photo studio and taking portrait pictures in countries where they were sent. Although there was no official introduction of photography during 1860-1870s, the ambassador members kept finding studio and taking their pictures. Therefore, it became a kind of tradition among the delegation members who have visited foreign countries. The delegations recorded their experience on photography, visual culture, impressions and these various forms of documents come down to us in these days. In the other word, before formal introduction of photography, there were documents about experiences and impressions of photography. Through these series of processes, photography could be accepted by Joseon noblemen without resistance; rather it became an attractive modern technology to them. Therefore, it provided a foundation of the introduction of photography. As a result, the acceptance of photography as a typical modern culture form means the truth that Joseon practically entered into modern society.