Lecture explores expats’ lives in late Joseon

A lecture hosted by the Royal Asiatic Society of Korea will provide a fresh glimpse of the turbulent period of Korean history at the end of the 19th century.

Writer and historical researcher Robert Neff will explain how it appeared through the eyes of Sally Sill, the wife of John M. B. Sill, the American Minister to Korea from 1894―1897.

Their stay coincided with the Sino-Japanese War, the murder of the Korean queen, and King Gojong’s refuge in the Russian legation.

Neff and has written or co-written books on the Joseon era, including “Korea Through Western Eyes” and “Westerner’s Life in Joseon.”

The research for his newest book, “Letters from Joseon,” provides the material for this lecture, including correspondence sent home by the Sills and photos of the period.

There will also be some background exploration of the expatriate community in Seoul at the time and the rumors surrounding it.

The lecture takes place at Somerset House on Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Attendance is free for RASKB members and 7,000 won for non-members.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)