Karl Hauser
Bio
In pursuit of new experiences and knowledge, Karl Hauser embarked on a journey with the Red Cross in 1954. Bringing his expertise as a trained electrician, he became a valuable asset to the organization. However, his electrical training offered little preparation for the challenges he faced in Korea. Tasked with generating electricity for the hospital’s continuous operation from 1954 to 1959, he encountered patients suffering from leprosy who required essential medication. Amidst such moments, he also cherishes memories of having access to their private beach.
Reflecting on his time in Korea, Karl Hauser revisited the country in 2017 and marveled at the modernity of Seoul. He takes pride in his contributions to the hospital and the overall development of Korea.
Video Clips
Why I Joined
Upon hearing about the opportunity from a friend, Karl Hauser decided to join the Red Cross. Unfazed by any fears, he noted that the war had ended, and many others were also signing up to help the Korean people.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=285&end=438
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-1
Embed:
First Impressions of Korea
Upon arriving in Korea, Karl Hauser recalls being struck by the openness of the landscape, dotted with destroyed buildings. Initially lodging in small dwellings, he shares his team later relocated to an empty school. He remembers the Koreans' perception of Germans as highly skilled, believing they could fix anything.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=853&end=1130
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-2
Embed:
Moments in Korea
During his time in Korea, Karl Hauser remarks that he there were many contrasting memories. He found it challenging to witness those afflicted with leprosy who required isolation. On a brighter note, he cherishes the memory of having their private beach. Additionally, he recalls fondly driving on Sundays to explore the area.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=2229&end=2437
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-3
Embed:
Staffing of Red Cross Hospital
During Karl Hauser's tenure at the German Red Cross Hospital from 1954 to 1959, he notes staffing was organized meticulously. Approximately 70 to 80 German nurses, alongside 20 doctors, and between 30 to 40 Korean assistants were employed. He recalls the unique rotation system wherein each German staff member could stay for one year before returning to Germany for a year. He shares this rotation pattern allowed each of them to return for an additional three years of service in Korea.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=1463&end=1802
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-4
Embed:
Meeting President Moon
Karl Hauser had the privilege of meeting President Moon during the Korean President's visit to Hamburg in July 2017. He fondly recalls the interesting tidbit shared by President Moon who revealed that his mother had once attended the girls' school which later transformed into the German hospital.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=3089&end=3352
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-5
Embed: