Modern Scenery

In the 1880s Korea signed treaty agreements with the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and France. Following those treaties, foreign missionaries and business people were able to come and establish themselves in Korea. By the YMCA’s arrival to Korea in 1901, the YMCA was just one among many foreign groups operating in Korea. Typically, the YMCA would establish its presence and build a facility in the heart of the city. From this position, the YMCA acted as both a participant and a witness to the modernization and changes taking place in Korea in the early 20th century.