Finding aid for the Paul Courtright papers 3330

Bo Doub and Joy Kim
USC Libraries East Asian Library
2021 September
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-1825


Contributing Institution: USC Libraries East Asian Library
Title: Paul Courtright papers
Creator: Courtright, Paul
Identifier/Call Number: 3330
Physical Description: 0.21 Linear Feet 1 box
Date (inclusive): 1905-2019
Date (bulk): 1979-1985
Abstract: The Paul Courtright papers contain photograph albums, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, maps, reports, books, correspondence, journals, and other material collected and/or created by Paul Courtright, a former Peace Corps volunteer who was stationed in the Jeonnam Province of South Korea from 1979 to 1981. While working with leprosy patients in rural South Korea, Courtright witnessed the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Courtright later published a book, Witnessing Gwangju: A Memoir, detailing his experiences.
Language of Material: English , Korean , Chinese , Japanese .
Container: 1

Scope and Contents

The Paul Courtright papers contain photograph albums, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, maps, reports, books, correspondence, journals, and other material collected and/or created by Paul Courtright, a former Peace Corps volunteer who was stationed in the Jeonnam Province of South Korea from 1979 to 1981. While working with leprosy patients in rural South Korea, Courtright witnessed the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Courtright later published a book, Witnessing Gwangju: A Memoir, detailing his experiences.

Conditions Governing Access

Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Department of the East Asian Library at eal@usc.edu. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the East Asian Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

Finding aid description and metadata are licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.

Preferred Citation

[Box/folder # or Item name], Paul Courtright papers, Collection no. 3330, Korean Heritage Library, East Asian Library, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Paul Courtright, 2018

Processing Information

Part of the collection has been digitized, but the digital surrogates are not yet publicly available via the USC Digital Library. The Korean Heritage Library created a collection inventory in Excel in 2018. Most of the description from the Excel inventory has been copied to this finding aid. The original inventory is linked to this collection's accession record (accession no. 2018-002) and included in the collection material.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Korea -- Description and travel -- Archival resources
Korea (South) -- Politics and government -- 1960-1988 -- Archival resources
Democratization -- Korea (South) -- Archival resources
Books
Correspondence
Journals (accounts)
Maps
Newspaper clippings
Photograph albums
Reports
Scrapbooks
Courtright, Paul -- Archives
Peace Corps/Korea -- Archives

Box 1

Korea 1984-95.10

General

Consists of slides that depict different cities and incidents in South Korea

Scope and Contents

Album (Slides)
Box 1

Hansen's Disease Eye/UlcerProject: Korean Resettlement Villages 1981

General

Consists of photographs and medical reports which each lists patients' information

Scope and Contents

Scrapbook (Photographs, Report)
Box 1

Photograph album 1981

General

Consists of photos of patients and medical examinations and photographs that captures people's daily lives in South Korea

Scope and Contents

Album (Photographs)
Box 1

16 Killed in Downpour 9/2/1980

General

Informs about the downpour occurred in Cholla-namdo and Kyongsang-namdo areas and the casualties due to rain

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Kang-yang'Caresses Lepers' Scars 1979-1980s

General

Features a girl named Julie G. Strong also known as Miss Kang Ju-hye, a student from Michigan and a colunteer field worker from the U.S. Peace Corps who helps the patients in Namwon

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Peace Corps aide from Boise seeks home for Korean orphan 12/19/1980

General

Informs about a boy named Chul- Shik Kang, a South Korean orphan whom Paul Courtright has decided to seek adoptive parents for the boy in America

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article
Box 1

Peace Corps in Korea Terminates Activities Undated

General

Informs about the termination of Peace Corps in Korea and how the volunteers received citations

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Peace Corps to Phase Out Operation in Korea Undated

General

Informs about the termination of Peace Corps at the end of the fiscal year and the reasons of termination

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

2 men booked trying to steal hemp leaves 6/8/1984

General

Informs about an incident in which an American and a Korean males tried to teal hemp leaves in Sachon

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Newspaper clipping 8/8/1981

General

The photo and caption highlights the farewell ceremony for U.S. Peace Corps volunteers in South Korea

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Photo and Caption (Clipping)
Box 1

Peace Corps Cotribution Memorable 8/15/1981

General

highlights the experiences of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers in South Korea

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Main Article's Title: "President Park Dies" 10/28/1979

General

Informs about the death of President Park Chung Hee

Scope and Contents

Newspaper (The Korea Herald)
Box 1

In somber tributes, Koreans remember a watershed event in democracy movement 5/19/1999

General

informs about the 19th anniversary of the 1980 Kwangju massacre and also the history of massacre

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Main Article's Title: "President Park Shot Dead" 10/28/1979

General

Informs how President Park Chung- hee was accidentally shot and killed by Central Intelligence Agency Director Kim Jae-kyu

Scope and Contents

Newspaper (The Korea Times)
Box 1

Turning a Blind Eye Fall 2009

General

Informs about the gender issues in eye care and how women have higher chances of becoming blind due to socio-cultural differences between men and women

Scope and Contents

Article
Box 1

Newspaper clipping Undated

General

The caption and photo show U.S. Peace corps volunteers learning Korean in preparation of volunteering in South Korea

Scope and Contents

Article Photo and Caption (Clipping)
Box 1

34 New Members Sworn Into Peace Corps Korea Undated

General

Informs about the ceremony held to celebrate newly joined Peace Corps Korea members

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

한국서 시작한 눈병 치료 이젠 한국이 도와주네요 8/21/2015

General

Features Paul Courtright who underlines his experience in South Korea where he encountered many patients suffering from eye diseases and also acclaims South Korea's advanced treatment in eye diseases

Scope and Contents

Newspaper Article (Clipping)
Box 1

Cholla Remembered 1/20/1996

General

Wrriten by Paul Courtright, this article highlights Courtright suggesting the writer to make corrections in regards to the incident of Kwangju massacre

Scope and Contents

Article
Box 1

최신 우리나라전도 3/3/1981

General

Map of Korean peninsula separated into districts, and information map of tourist areas in each district of South Korea

Scope and Contents

map
Box 1

관광안내 Sight-Seeking Guide 10/15/1976

General

Tourist map of South Korea which visually illustrates tourist areas

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

Tourist Map of Korea 6/2/1905

General

Tourist Map of South Korea showing roads and some areas indicated with dates

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

최신 서울특별시안내도 3/6/1981

General

Tourist map of Seoul with map legend which consists of symbols of roads, buildings, lakes, church, temples, etc.

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

최신 남한관광안내도 4/7/1975

General

Tourist map of South Korea with drawings of mountains, temples, and etc. with map legend indicating roads and freeways

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

Tourist Map of Korea 5/15/1978

General

Tourist map of South Korea and maps of specific districts with map legend indicating freeways, hotels, national parks, etc.

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

Tourist Map Seoul Korea Host City of the 1988 Olympics and the 1986 Asian Games 1/19/1985

General

Tourist map of South Korea and Seoul both with map legend indicating tourist areas such as temples, hot spring, beach, etc.

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

Tourist Map of Mt. Seolag and East Coast Undated

General

Guide topographic map of climbing Mt. Odae and also map of Mt. Seolag and East Coast with map legend indicating tourist spots

Scope and Contents

Tourist Map
Box 1

경상북도전도 7/3/1976

General

A map for public adminstration, traffic, and tourism with map legend of tourist spots and roads

Scope and Contents

Map
Box 1

The Underdogs Bite Back 12/16/1995

General

Discusses the history of 1980 Kwangju massacre including the casualties

Scope and Contents

Article
Box 1

Developing a Project as Part of your Peace Corps Experience: A Korean Example May, 1983

General

Report that discusses the project of Peace Corps Volunteers

Scope and Contents

Project Report
Box 1

Description of Peace Corps Volunteer Service 8/31/1981

General

Report discussing Mr. Paul Courtrights's experience in Peace Corps volunteer service

Scope and Contents

Report
Box 1

Code of Conduct Undated

General

Code of conduct discussing rules to be followed at training center

Scope and Contents

Code of Conduct (List)
Box 1

Peace Corps Volunteer, Delbert Blume, Tells of Experiences in the Country of Korea 8/26/1976

General

Delbert Blume shares his experience as a Peace Corps volunteer after returning to America

Scope and Contents

Article
Box 1

Tour of Tongdo-Sa Temple 8/29/1972

General

Tour guide of Tongdo-Sa Temple and its special locations

Scope and Contents

Booklet
Box 1

The Centennial of Korea~U.S.A. Relations May, 1982

General

About the diplomatic relationship between the United States and Korea from 1882 to 1982

Scope and Contents

Booklet
Box 1

Map of South Korea peninsula Undated

General

Map of South Korean peninsula along with more detailed map of Jeon Nam province

Scope and Contents

Map
Box 1

Booklet with multiple articles 1984

General

1. about chairman commemorating 15th anniveraty of the founding of Korean Air Lines 2. about Songgwang-sa of Mt.Chogye 3. about the Confucian schools, customs, and shrines in Korea

Scope and Contents

1. KAL Commemorates 15th Anniversary
2. "Korea's 'Most Respected Temple'"
3. Confucian Schools
Box 1

Collection of journals April-November, 1979

General

multiple journals about the person's experience in Korea

Scope and Contents

Collection of journals
Box 1

"Inchon, The Making of an Epic" Undated

General

About the production process and storyline of the film called "Inchon!"

Scope and Contents

Booklet
Box 1

Life - red tobacco cover Undated

General

red tobacco cover

Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous
Box 1

Peace on Earth Undated

General

a small paper with an image of countryside and mountain along with a drawing of two kids on the bottom

Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous
Box 1

GeoBugseon (거북선) Undated

General

A cigarette cover with a image of geobugseon and South Korean and US flags, consists of welcoming message to U.S. president and Mrs. Jimmy Carter

Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous
Box 1

PLAN A TOUR THIS WEEKEND/COMING SOON-- OSCAR'S NEW COMMISSARY Apr-82

General

Tv Guide consisting of list of tv channels following show titles on 22 Thursday and 23 Friday

Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous
Box 1

Peace Corps/Korea k-48 Directory Undated

General

A directory with a list of K-48 members' names following their address, email, and Korean city, organized alphabetically

Scope and Contents

Booklet (Directory)
Box 1

민주화의 길 Undated, picture taken on 1980.05.16

General

A paper with a black and white image of "People gathering in the square"

Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous
Box 1

Directory Undated

General

List of names following their home adress, with certain names circled

Scope and Contents

Directory (List)
Box 1

"관인생탁" 나주경찰서 5/31/1980

General

A police report about a requested personal protection of Peace Corps Volunteer (Paul Courtright)

Scope and Contents

Police Report
Box 1

Essay and medical report April/September 1980

General

Paul Courtright's essay about medical examination of leprosy patients in Korea along with a template of eye examination chart and supply list

Scope and Contents

Essay and medical report
Box 1

민화투 Undated

General

A description of "Hwa t'oo" or flower fight, a card game, along with a game instruction

Scope and Contents

Report
Box 1

Helpful Hints for Getting Along in Korea Undated

General

A list of ways through which the volunteers can get along in Korea

Scope and Contents

List (Instruction)
Box 1

American Involvement Undated

General

About US involvement in Kwangju massacre and its commitment of security and stability

Scope and Contents

Document
Box 1

An Anthropologists Observations on Peace Corps/Korea Undated

General

discusses how Peace Corps Volunteers view Koreans and how to build a good relationship with them

Scope and Contents

Document
Box 1

Drinking in Korea Undated

General

discusses the manners and customs of drinking culture in Korea and adds the writer's experince as well

Scope and Contents

Document
Box 1

Report of the United States Peace Corps/Korea Progrmas Undated

General

discusses the history of Peace Corps Program and its 15 years of achievements

Scope and Contents

Report (revised)
Box 1

Cross-Cultural Adjustment Process Indicators Undated

General

a list of ways to make cross-cultural adjustment process in South Korea as a Peace Corps Volunteer

Scope and Contents

List
Box 1

80만 시민에게 호소합니다 May, 1980

General

Asks the Korean citizens to work together to fight for the Kwangju victims

Scope and Contents

Document
Box 1

범도민 불법무기 찾기운동에 즈음하여 7/1/1980

General

Asks the Korean citizens to help find firearms used during the Kwangju massacre

Scope and Contents

Document
Box 1

Peace Corps Volunteer Background Information Form 2/9/1979

General

includes a information form about applicant's background information and also a page of instructions for completing background information form

Scope and Contents

Document : Information form
Box 1

Trainee Assignment Criteria 3/20/1979

General

includes education and experience requirements for Peace Corps Volunteer applicants an also volunteer assignment description such as project goals and objectives

Scope and Contents

Document : Criteria Sheet
Box 1

주한미평화사단 9/21/1981

General

A letter from James E.H. Mayer to Paul Courtright through which Mayer thanks Courtright for his dedication and work at Peace Corps Volunteer Program

Scope and Contents

Letter
Box 1

Letter from Paul Courtright to Senator Frank Church 11/7/1980

General

A letter from Paul Courtright to Senator Frank Church through which Courtright discusses his experience as Peace Corps leprosy worker at Gwangju incident and shares his sincere empathy for Church's loss in his reelection

Scope and Contents

Letter
Box 1

An Open Letter to Future Peace Corps Volunteers in Korea 3/26/1976

General

writes a letter to future Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in South Korea about Korean culture and his volunteering experience

Scope and Contents

Letter
Box 1

호혜원 주민 정성모아… Undated

General

front page: about Hohyewon villagers gathering for Yuk Youngsoo's commemorative monument back page: Jeonnam branch leader guiding health commissioner to clinic construction areas

Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous (paper from a booklet)
Box 1

Collection of journals May, June 1980

General

collection of journals about writer's experience and witness of student demonstrations at Gwangwha-Moon and Gwangju and police activity

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Letter from Joyce Mosser to Paul Courtright 3/23/1996

General

A letter from Joyce Mosser to Paul Courtright; Mosser thanks Courtright for inviting her to K-48 reunion, but tells him that she will not be able to attend the reunion due to financial issue and far distance from Ohio to Washington, and she shares her life after her Peace Corps volunteer experience

Scope and Contents

Letter
Box 1

Journals 1/19,24,27 / 1980

General

A collection of journal through which the writer shares his or her experience and hardships at Hohyewon

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

President Park Chung Hee Passed Away (朴正熙大統頒逝去) 10/27/1979

General

Reports President Park Chung Hee's death

Scope and Contents

Newspaper (clipping)
Box 1

Journal written by an American translator from Idaho who shares his daily life and struggles as a translator in South Korea 4/28/1982

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Journal written by Paul Courtright who recently returned to Boise, Idaho from South Korea' March, September, November, 1980

General

A journal written by Paul Courtright who recently returned to Boise, Idaho from South Korea'; he shares his struggles as he wishes to return back to Korea to partake in his eye project

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Paul Courtright journal 2/23/1980

General

A journal written by a Paul Courtright who recently heard the news of hisr father's diagnosis of cancer and is on return to America

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Paul Courtright journal 1/11/1982

General

Courtright shares his short vacation he had in America and is planning to leave to Korea; he shares his future goals and struggles

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Paul Courtright journal circa 7/13/1982

General

Courtright recollects his experience as Peace Corps volunteer in South Korea and shares his story mainly divided into places where he stayed in Korea

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Paul Courtright journal 7/6/1981

General

Courtright shares how his friends are returning back to America and how he is left alone in South Korea

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Paul Courtright journal 10/21/1981

General

Courtright shares his emotions in remaining in Korea without his friends who have already returned to the States and also his experience of teaching in Korea

Scope and Contents

Journal
Box 1

Chinese document

Box 1

Paul Courtright's interview in Korea 2019.05.25

General

Article from Chosun Ilbo interviewed Paul Courtright

Scope and Contents

Document