Archives: Historical and documentary exhibition “Russia – Korea: History. Events. People” kicks off in St. Petersburg

On October 31st 2011 as a part of the 2nd Forum “Dialogue Russia – Republic of Korea” the Federal Archives exhibition hall (St. Petersburg) is launching a historical and documentary exhibition called “Russia – Korea: History. Events. People”.

The exhibition has been co-organized by: the Russian State Historical Archive, St. Petersburg State University in partnership with Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera), Russian Academy of Sciences, and Korean Youth Cultural and Educational Center.

The exposition casts light on key stages of establishment and development of Russian-Korean relations. Documents put on show at the exhibition span the time from the first frontier contracts between Korean and Russian population of the Far East in the 2nd half of 19th century up to 1917.

Among exhibits are – a letter of invitation to the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung, addressed to K. I. Weber, Russia’s first consul general to Seoul, and a ceramic cup, which was presented to K. I. Weber’s wife by the spouse of the King of Korea Gojong.

The exhibition reveals a number of documents which highlight the visit of the Korean diplomatic mission to Russia in May 1896.

Of particular interest are the documents which help to discover the activities of Russian subjects in Korea. Reports made by members of the Russian diplomatic mission in Seoul, analytical notes, texts of economic agreements include information on domestic and foreign policy of Korea at the end of 19th century – beginning of 20th century.

A special section of the exhibition is focused on establishment and activities of the Russian Orthodox mission in Seoul. The missionary activities of Archbishop Chrysanthus (Christopher Petrovich Shchetkovsky. 1869–1906) during the Russian diplomatic mission in Seoul promoted foundation of the first orthodox cathedral in Korea (by architect V. A. Kosyakov) and opening of a school for Korean boys, who adopted Orthodoxy. Drafts of the orthodox church in Seoul which are shown within the exhibition not only present a valuable historical source but have an independent artistic value.

Documents from holdings of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of State Property, Ministry of Commerce and Industry make it possible to uncover the mechanism of development of commercial and economic relations between Russia and Korea: opening of the Russian-Korean Bank, granting concessions to Russian entrepreneurs, establishment of railroad network within Korea.

Materials of the historical and documentary exposition turn the spotlight on scientific and research activities of Russian travelers in Korea. Particular attention is turned to the first Russian expedition to the North Korea (1898–1899).

A separate section of the exposition tells about Korean migrants over Russia. Available reports from holdings of the Ministry of Home Affairs include: reports of Amur General-Governor spanning 1860–1870, statistic materials, which contain information on settlements of the Korean, their number and occupations, petitions of Korean migrants on taking out Russian citizenship. The exhibition will run until November 11th 2011.