To Korea, the nation¡¯s opening to the modern world suddenly came with an unexpected influx of Western culture. From the first cars to the first paper notes, first dam and first Western-style cemetery, the following items are some memories of Korea's first exposure to the early 20th century and influences that changed the country forever.

First vehicle in Korea

The Cultural Properties Administration in Seoul announced that the two cars, which were the first to be driven on Korean roads, would soon be registered as cultural heritage items.

There were two vehicles – one was a Cadillac limousine that was built in 1918 by U.S-based General Motors Corp., which belonged to Korea¡¯s final Emperor Sunjong (1874-1926) and a separate car made in 1914 by British-based Daimler, which was used by his wife Empress Sunjeonghyo (1894-1966).

Also known as "Eocha," the two cars are similar in their luxurious, dark red and gilt plumb blossoms patterns – the royal insignia – that decorate both the outside and inside of each vehicle. Deluxe carpeting within each adds to its glorious elegance. As the outer bodies are constructed in lacquered wood instead of steel, it conveys an impression of a grand coach, reflecting car designs from the olden days.

Unfortunately, subsequent years took their toll on the priceless cars; some parts were missing while others deteriorated because of rust. However, thanks to the combined efforts of local and foreign specialists working from 1997–2001, the two cars were meticulously restored and are currently on display in a special climate-controlled garage at Changdeok Palace.

"Doryanghyeong" – the Korean Empire's First Law

In 1897, amid harsh foreign intervention and the royal family¡¯s weakening power, King Gojong declared his country free of Chinese influence and gave it a new name – ¡°Daehan (Korean) Empire" which his family ruled for 500 years as ¡°Joseon.¡± A few years later, the now-Emperor Gojong passed the first constitutional law in Korea – "Doryanghyeong law" or the Law of Measurement in 1905.

"Do" means "ruler"; "yang," is "volume" and "hyeong" signifies "weight." Without standardized measurement, a modern society could not advance or even maintain order. Although several previous attempts had been made to standardize measurements, weak domestic transportation and communication systems made it hard to succeed. Thus, establishing proper measuring standards became part of Emperor Gojong's efforts to modernize the nation. He set up the "Pyeongshikwon," a special government office which pushed for the partial adoption of Western-style measurements such as the metric system.

The law provides legal evidence of Korea's early measuring instruments from 1905-1945. Just over 330 instruments for measuring length, volume and weight – including rulers and scales – used at the time will be registered as cultural assets.

Gonghwachun – Korea's Oldest Jajangmyeon Restaurant

Gonghwachun, a restaurant in Incheon's central Seollin district, traces its origins back to about 1930, based on its tiles, square windows and fake facade which were meant to make it look like a modern flat slab building. Once the restaurant is officially designated as a historical site and the necessary repairs are made, an exact starting date will be finalized.

Nobody knows who or when anyone first served jajangmyeon, which are Chinese-style noodles, to Korean people. One thing which is certain is that Chinese immigrants, upon discovering the popularity of their food in Korea, began to set up shop with cheap, easy-to-make dishes for port workers. In 1905, the cooks at Gonghwachun were the first to add caramelized vegetables and meat to the traditional noodles mixed with Chinese black bean paste to please Korean taste buds.

Currently, the once-fancy building that sold jajangmyeon is a remnant of its past glory; a brand new Gonghwachun now sells jajangmyeon to various customers. But, it was the old site that was recently registered as Cultural Heritage No. 246 which Incheon's Jung Ward Office plans to purchase and turn into a jajangmyeon museum.

Palmido – Korea's First Modern Lighthouse
Palmido Lighthouse is the first of its kind established in Korea. Palmido is a rocky island approximately eight kilometers (five miles) southwest of Incheon. It is a white structure which reaches 71 meters on the island closest to the port of Incheon and was completed in 1903. Construction began with the opening of Incheon Port in 1883 which is the point of entry foreign powers used to advance into Korea.

At the time, Incheon's shallow waters and stark tides made it hard for most ships to approach the port. To get around the natural obstacles, the Japanese imported technology from a French beacon company to build a lighthouse. Japan would later put it to use during the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War.

Nearly a half a century later, the lighthouse's 90 candlepower oil lamp would play a crucial role in another war – the success of the United States-led U.N. forces landing on Incheon during the Korean War as lighthouse workers bravely remained at their stations as the battle roared, to keep the lamp lit so assault forces could find their way to shore.

In 1953, the lighthouse established a communications bureau. Fourteen years later, the lamp continued to progress with the county, as a mercury light replaced a previous electric upgrade. Now, the lighthouse does more than point the way to shore. It is an administrative post for related sea-transport facilities as well as weather and sea observation.

Seomjin River Dam – the First Multipurpose Dam in Korea

Seomjin River in South Jeolla Province is the ninth longest river in Korea. Its dam is the nation's first multipurpose dam and took 25 years to complete. Built from 1940–1965, the dam is a living witness to one of the most turbulent times of Korea's modern history.

Initially made solely for irrigation purposes to reserve water in case of droughts, engineers constructed a very low earthen dam. However, with a substantial increase in the region¡¯s population and rapid industrialization of the country, the reservoir began to drain the needs of urban residents and big businesses alike. Consequently, the original design had to be drastically altered.

The dam was reinforced with concrete and extended to a height of 64 meters and length of 344.2 meters to hold back 466 million tons of water and supply 225 million m3 of water for consumers annually. This is crucial for flood control and irrigation needs. It also provides 166.347 million kilowatts of electricity for energy-deficient regions in the North Jeolla and South Jeolla Provinces.

First Paper Money in Korea – A Bearded, Old Man on the 100 Won Bill

What was the first paper money issued in Korea? In 1893, King Gojong's government released "Hojo taehwan gwon" (convertible note of Hojo). ¡°Hojo¡± was the name of the department in charge of currency production and "convertible" referred to what it was replacing. The previous coin-based currency was in units of 50, 20, 10 and 5 nyang. As Japanese firms responsible with the production and distribution of the currency fought over these business rights, the first Korean paper notes were burned before they ever reached the hands of consumers and merchants.

Subsequent paper bills that were produced and stamped with the mark of imperial Japan made it difficult for Korea to accept as a ¡°Korean¡± first. As a result, the currency issued right after Korea¡¯s 1945 liberation from Japan is regarded as the first of its kind in the nation.

While the 100 won Bank of Chosun notes issued on Sept. 1, 1945 had an authentic Korean look and feel, the Japanese still produced them because no local company had the proper equipment or expertise. From looks, shape and design, everything was produced under Japanese control. To control production of the currency, the relatively large denomination of 100 won was chosen as the primary bill.

The Japanese continued to use the 162 mm X 93 mm proportions and offset printed design they had used since 1915. However, the equipment was now in Seoul. Concerned that transportation links between Japan and its colonies could be severed toward the end of World War II, Tokyo had transferred enough facilities to ensure a semblance of control. While the money was utilized until just before the Republic of Korea was established in 1948, there is still no confirmed identity of the old bearded gentleman on that first 100 won note.

Yanghwajin – Korea's First Western-Style Cemetery

Seoul Foreigner's Cemetery, or Yanghwajin, was established in 1890. It is the nation's first modern cemetery and forms a wide park next to the Mapo district side of the Dangsan Bridge which crosses the Green Line across the Han River. Also, near the Hapjeong Station are Jeoldusan Catholic Church and Seoul Union Church – two churches which both share the grief regarding the untimely deaths of many early missionaries to Korea.

Many prominent foreigners who made Korea their home in the early 20th century are buried in Yanghwajin. The 430 graves of the citizens from 17 nations testify to the commitment countries, faiths and individuals put into the transformation of Korea. For Koreans, the patch of tombstones marking flat graves look like something from a Western movie, not something that is part of their country.
Although the park escaped the notice of the general public during Korea's struggle for independence from Japan, the Korean War, political instability and rapid development, there is no question nowadays that the site is a precious treasure of modern Korea.

As its most famous epitaph states, ¡°I would rather be buried in Korea than in the Westminster Abbey." With those words, Homer Hulbert (1863 – 1949), who was a missionary and worked for the restoration of Korea's sovereignty, proved the value of friendship many foreigners formed with Koreans and their native countries.

Jayu Park – Korea's First Western Park

Jayu Park is the first Western-style modern Park in Korea developed by a Russian engineer in November 1888. The 64,480 square meter park sits atop Incheon's Mt. Eungbong which provides an excellent view of the city¡¯s downtown, surrounding mountains, the port and sea. It was originally named Manguk Park (Park of All Nations) in honor of the American, English and Chinese residents who rushed into the country when Korea¡¯s largest port was opened in 1883.

Foreign settlement in Korea ended after Japan¡¯s colonization of the country. The City of Incheon took ownership of the park in 1914 and renamed it Seo (West) Park. In October 1957, on National Foundation Day, a statue of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, who was the architect of the Incheon Landing, was erected at the summit of Mt. Eungbong. After the statue was completed, the park was officially named Jayu (Freedom) Park.

The park symbolizes Incheon and the country's turbulent past and longing for peace. Besides the MacArthur statue, the park's other attractions include Centennial Monument that commemorates the Amity and Trade Treaty signed between Korea and the United States on May 22, 1882, towering memorials to subjects such as patriotism and environmental protection, a prehistoric dolmen and the first modern meteorological observatory in Korea.

Every April, residents enjoy a cherry blossom festival as a canopy of pink and white envelopes the park. In the evening, the park becomes a popular spot for young couples attracted by the lights of Incheon Port and Wolmido Island. People can also see Chinatown and hotels catering to a steady stream of foreigners who once again use this city as a gateway to the rest of Korea.