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The practice of photography in Korea was delayed until the late 19th century, because of the Joseon Dynasty's policy forbidding contact with foreigners.

First, a few foreign photographers, such as Felix Beato, took photographs in Korea or of Korean people outside of Korea in the 1860s and 1870s.

In the late 19th century, some Korean photographers appeared. Kim Yong-Won, who was the first professional photographer in Korea, opened a photo studio in 1883. In 1884, Ji Un-Young and Hwang Chul opened studios. But the activities of these studios did not lead to the spread of photography in Korea.

In 1910, Japan colonised Korea and after that, Japanese photographers became very active in Korea. On the other hand, Kyong-sung Photographers' Association (京城写真師会) was founded in 1926. Further, during the 1930s, many Korean amateur photographers appeared, setting up "70 amateur photography clubs with up to 1000 members."^{[citation needed]} The Japanese government restricted Korean photographers' activities during World War II.

After World War II, the amateur photographers' group Chosun Photo Art Study Group (Choson Sajin Yesul Yonguhui) was formed in 1945. Art photography was the dominant tendency among amateur photographers during this period.