Overview

유대감: Images of American Efforts to Modernize Korea

유대감 (yoo-dae-gahm) which translates as 'fellowship' describes spirit from which these images were taken. In 1901, YMCA missionary Philip Gillett traveled to Korea with the hopes of developing a Young Men's Christian Association based off the American Model. Along with his faith, he brought "modern" western education, industry, and the arts. These lantern slide images, which are from a lecture intended for an American audience, document the spirit of fellowship between the Korean people and the American missionaries who made it their life's work to develop communities. This exhibit is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Korea Foundation, which aims to promote better understanding of Korea within the international community and to increase friendship and goodwill between Korea and the rest of the world through various exchange programs.

Lantern Slides 

Lantern slides are small images on glass that when used with a special projector display an enlarged version of the image on a wall or screen. The basic technique of projecting an image from a glass slide was developed in the 17th century.  The development of more powerful light sources in addition to photography allowed lantern slide technology were used well into the 20th century, especially for educational purposes.

The YMCA actively created and used lantern slides in the early 20th century. In Korea, Americans working in the YMCA used these lantern slides to supplement educational lectures and help bridge the language gap for a Korean audience. The images in this exhibit are from a lantern slide lecture that the YMCA used in the United States to promote its work in Korea.

More records of YMCA international work in Korea can be find in Kautz Family YMCA Archives.