The staff of the inspection-office of the depôts of supplies of the first army corps at Wiju, Corea before 1899

This photograph, produced by the Ordnance Survey Office, captures the staff of the inspection office of supply depots for the First Army Corps in Wiju, Korea. The image offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of early 20th-century Korea, a period marked by increasing foreign intervention. The presence of Japanese military personnel and the Japanese flag in front of a traditional Korean building speaks to the country’s shifting power structures and the impact of Japanese influence. We might consider how the photograph situates both Japan and Korea within broader narratives of imperialism and cultural exchange. How did this moment of transition shape Korean identity and its relationship with the rest of the world? This image is more than a historical record, it serves as a reminder of the emotional and cultural consequences of geopolitical events, and encourages us to reflect on the legacies of colonialism.