Mike Beech 

Seoul: life in the megacity – in pictures

Mike Beech is a photographer, videographer and part-time Korean language student at Sogang University in Seoul. His photographs capture the intensity of this 24-hour city, home to half of South Korea's population, but also its quieter moments
  
  


Seoul gallery: skyline2
The gargantuan size of Seoul, along with its numerous skyscrapers, creates an awe-inspiring view from the top of Namsan Tower. The structure is situated on a mountain in the middle of the city and is a very recognisable part of Seoul’s skyline. Tourists and locals hike the road to the top of the mountain for the breathtaking view. It is beautiful by day but far more magical at night. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: dongdaemum
This photograph shows Dongdaemun Gate with traffic whizzing by. The large structure is one of the Eight Gates in Seoul's Fortress Wall. It is now a major tourist attraction and makes an interesting contrast with the modern architecture that surrounds it. Photograph: Mike Beech
seoul gallery: Cheonggycheon, seoul
One of former Korean president Lee Myung-bak’s pet projects while he was mayor of Seoul was to revamp the Cheonggycheon stream, previously a muddy eyesore stagnating in the centre of the city. Although Koreans protested at the high cost of the transformation, the project is now widely considered a success and Seoulites enjoy taking a break from the hype of the city in the tranquil, sunken walkway. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: couple in rain
A young couple walking through the rain during the summer monsoon. The downpour usually lasts for a month in high summer but in the past few years it has rained for much longer. Koreans have been more careful than usual about getting wet recently, for fear of being afflicted by poisonous rainfall after the Japanese earthquake of 2011. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: lantern shop
Lotus lanterns in a shop full of antique Korean trinkets in the Insadong area of Seoul, famous for its antiquated streets and quaint teashops. The store sits opposite Jogyesa Temple, a Buddhist structure that hosts the popular Lotus Lantern Festival each May, where hundreds of these colourful paper lamps are strung up in the gardens. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: man asleep
The stress of life in Seoul, coupled with the warmth of the metro’s heated seats, means city residents, such as this dapper harabuji (grandfather), regularly fall asleep on the inexpensive and highly efficient subway system. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: men's clothing clerk
An assistant in a men’s boutique in Dongdaemun market. Dongdaemun hosts a multitude of enormous shopping malls (more than 20) to suit every shopper’s budget and needs. Even local fashion designers source their materials from the wholesale fabric shops in the area. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: launderette owner
The owner of a launderette and dry cleaning shop in Yongsan, one of Seoul’s older districts. Neatness is a big thing in Korean society, so keeping your attire fresh is important. People are often judged openly and vocally for their appearance, whether it’s for an accidentally stained shirt or something more personal such as weight gain. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: miniature toys
This close-up of cute figurines was taken at a stall in Hongdae, near the famous playground in which you can witness impromptu performances from buskers, beatboxers and dancers on any weekend night. Hongdae is known as the youthful, creative area of Seoul: home to the city's arts university, it is a graffiti-filled, hedonistic splash of colour. It is also where you can purchase novelty phone cases, quirky clothing and anime products. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: neon
East Asia is regularly associated with neon lights, and Seoul is no exception. Brightly lit streets contribute to the 24-hour culture of the city, where hanging out in a noraebang (karaoke room) and grabbing a breakfast of gamjyetang (pork spine hangover soup) or achim galbi (morning marinated meat ribs) afterwards is normal behaviour. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: old and new
One of the most interesting things about Seoul is how the contemporary and the ancient clash. This image was taken in the Jongno district, an older part of the city. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: rabbit seller
The enterprising spirit of Korea’s residents is evident both inside Seoul underground stations and out on the streets. It's not at all unusual to see people selling vegetables, tofu, belts or tights, and yes, live animals, on floors or makeshift tables in the midst of the city. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: temple
Some of Korea’s Buddhist community saying evening prayers at a temple. Christianity and Buddhism are the two main religions in the country, but temple attendance is dropping, and there are said to be many more devout Christians in positions of power in Seoul’s government. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: young couple
This young couple can be seen taking a selca, a 'Konglish' (Korean-English) word mixing ‘self’ and ‘camera’ together. This is not an unusual sight: Koreans are often seen smartphone in hand, recording every moment. The photograph was taken at the November Seoul Lantern Festival, where lit-up figures are displayed at the Chynggycheon Stream for just over a fortnight. Photograph: Mike Beech
Seoul gallery: cafe guys
Two men enjoying a coffee in one of the lanes adjacent to Garosu-gil in Sinsa, a tree-lined street known for its European vibe. Sinsa is in the upper class Gangnam area of Seoul, the inspiration for Psy’s mega-hit. Photograph: Mike Beech
 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

CAPTCHA

*