I did, however, take some issue with the phrase “its roots in the nationalistic (some might say xenophobic) Donghak Peasant Rebellion of 1894.”

I went to the link you provided on the Donghak Peasant Rebellion and noted some seemingly glaring omissions. The Donghak Peasant Rebellion - from my reading - was partially based upon Western religious beliefs mixed up with native beliefs. The Rebellion was quite extensive but, especially in the beginning, was centered in the southern provinces…particularly Cholla. It is claimed to be anti-foreign in nature, but there are claims that Japanese members of the Amur Dragons or Black Dragons may have participated - assisting the Korean rebels. This was not the first nor the last time Japanese citizens took part in Korean internal politics and insurrections - Cheju in 1901 is another example.

This Donghak Rebellion is partly to blame (providing the excuse) for the Sino-Japanese war. I might add that despite Ms. Shaw’s claim that the Russo-Japanese war was the first incident of a sneak attack upon naval units by the Japanese - I feel that the attack upon the Chinese ships outside of Ansan prior to war being declared makes this the first.

Sorry for running on……

Great Pictures Robert…

I remember reading that early Nineteenth Century philosopher Jeong Yak-yong “Dasan” was condsidered a reformer for suggesting that foreign ideas, bricks from China among them, be allowed to enter the Hermit Kingdom. This might explain why Chinese masons were needed.

what’s the price range for min’s club? i’ve heard the food is not worth the price range. anyway, there seems to be lot of nice cars parked outside. at one point, due to my failing eyes, i saw the small sign as “men’s club” and seeing the nice cars parked outside, i assumed it was like some geisha-type house for businessmen when i first saw it two years ago.

as for insadong, why does the city allow cars during the weekdays???

That being said, Korea did have a larger resident Chinese population back then. Many of the original Chinese left for the United States and Taiwan during the 60s and 70s at the “encouragement” of President Park Chung-hee.