1. Installation of the country's first elevator
1910: A hydraulic elevator to carry money and a manual elevator for the cafeteria were installed at the head office of the Bank of Joseon.
Bank of Joseon
2. Symbol of wealth and authority of Japan
1926: Elevators were installed in the branches of Japanese conglomerates to symbolize their wealth.
Elevators were also installed in relatively low-rise buildings, including the Office of the Japanese Government-General of Korea, Japanese Korean Army Headquarters, and Gyeongseong Supreme Court.
Office of the Japanese Government-General of Korea
3. Installation in Severance Hospital
1927: The nation's first private elevator was ordered by Severance Hospital and installed by Otis Elevator.
The elevator was supplied and installed in Severance Hospital, which was founded by foreign missionaries for religious and missionary work.
Severance Hospital
4. First elevator installed with Korea capital
1937: Korea's first elevator was installed in Hwashin Department Store (CEO Park Heung-sik) located at Jongno Junction, along with Korea's first escalator.
Hwashin Department Store
5. Establishment of Korea's first elevator company
1945: Seoul Elevator, Korea's first elevator company, was established by Choi Bok-gyun.
1960: Korea's first elevator reducer was developed.
1963: Korea's first elevator plant was constructed.
Seoul Elevator
6. Inclusion of elevator in the list of products whose localization is to be promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
1968: The plan to localize elevators was initiated by the Motor Vehicle Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to save a vast amount of foreign money spent on importing elevators.