Koreaanse vrouwen doen de was 1951 - 1953

"Koreaanse vrouwen doen de was" (Korean Women Do the Laundry) is a color photograph captured by Dutch photographer David Ketel between 1951 and 1953, during the Korean War. The image depicts two Korean women washing clothes in a shallow stream, their traditional hanbok clothing a stark contrast to the modern car visible in the background. The composition captures the quiet dignity of everyday life in a time of turmoil, showcasing Ketel's focus on human stories amidst historical events. This photograph, currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection, offers a glimpse into a specific moment in Korean history and the enduring human practice of laundry.