Een spoorwegreis in Korea
De Aarde en haar Volken, 1908
"Een spoorwegreis in Korea" by S. Kalff is a travel account written in the early 20th century. This book chronicles the author's experiences while traveling along the recently completed railway line from Seoul to Pyeng Yang, offering insights into Korea's transportation challenges and the socio-political climate under Japanese occupation. The narrative is both a personal adventure and a broader commentary on the state of Korea during this transitional period. In the book, Kalff describes the journey fraught with unexpected delays caused by poor railway conditions, such as landslides, inadequate infrastructure, and cumbersome bureaucratic processes. Traveling with friends, he recounts their struggles to navigate through various obstacles, including difficulties in acquiring necessary permits and encountering unhelpful officials. Despite facing challenging circumstances like waiting for transport across swollen rivers and enduring uncomfortable lodging, Kalff's adventures reveal not only the harsh realities of travel in Korea but also the resilience and patience required from travelers in an imperfectly developing nation. The journey to Pyeng Yang, which historically would have taken several days, is depicted as a test of endurance that ultimately underscores the urgent need for improved transportation and infrastructure in Korea.