The practice of photography in Korea was delayed until the late 19th century, because of the Yi Dynasty's (李朝) policy forbidding contact with foreigners.
First some, but few, foreign photographers, such as Felix Beato, took photographs in Korea or of Korean people outside of Korea in 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 respectively opened studios. But activities of these studios did not lead to the prosperity 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 1930s many Korean amateur photographers appeared, such as "70 amateur photography clubs with up to 1000 mmbers." But the Japanese Government restricted Korean photographers' activities during World War II.
After World War II, amateur photographers' group, Chosun Photo Art Study Group (Choson Sajin Yesul Yonguhui) was formed in 1945. Art photography was dominant tendency among amateur photographers during this period.
In 1960s after the Korean War, photojournalism and commercial photography were emerging.
After 1970s, photography became very popular in South Korea and now is still very popular among Koreans.