Karl Hauser
Bio
Seeking new experiences and knowledge, Karl Hauser joined the Red Cross in 1954. As a trained electrician, his expertise was a valuable addition to the Red Cross. His training as an electrician did little to prepare him for Korea upon his arrival. His primary responsibility in Korea was to produce electricity during the hospital’s entire operation from 1954 through 1959. While there, he remembers seeing those afflicted with leprosy who needed medication. However, he has positive memories too, including having their own private beach. Karl Hauser revisited Korea in 2017 and was impressed by modern Seoul. He is proud of his contributions to the hospital and Korea.
Video Clips
Why I Joined
Karl Hauser explains why he joined the Red Cross after his friend told him about the opportunity. He wasn’t afraid because the war was over and other people were joining.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=285&end=438
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First Impressions of Korea
Karl Hauser describes his first impressions of Korea. He remembers it being very open with destroyed buildings. He explains team originally stayed in small dwellings, but then moved into an empty school. He remembers the Koreans thought the Germans were “number one” and able to fix anything.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=853&end=1130
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-2
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Moments in Korea
Karl Hauser describes his least and most favorite memories of his time in Korea. He remembers how difficult it was to see those afflicted with leprosy who had to be isolated. However, a positive memory was having their own private beach. He also recalls driving on Sundays to explore the area.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=2229&end=2437
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-3
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Staffing of Red Cross Hospital
Karl Hauser describes the staffing of the German Red Cross Hospital he worked at from 1954-1959. He recalls there being 70-80 German nurses, 20 doctors, and between 30-40 Korean assistants. He notes that each of the Germans were allowed to stay for one year, but needed to return to Germany for a year before returning for an additional three years.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=1463&end=1802
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-4
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Meeting President Moon
Karl Hauser shares his experience of meeting President Moon while the Korean President was in Hamburg in July 2017. He notes that President Moon shared that his mother actually attended the girls' school which became the German hospital.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnvXJ3Ow&start=3089&end=3352
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/karl-hauser#clip-5
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