Living in South Korea for a month
In December of 2019, I went to South Korea to spend time with family. We only get to see each other every few years so I wanted to make the most out of it and not be rushed. The time still flew by way too quickly. And I felt the pressure of how time is a thief. But in a way it also allows us to treasure these fleeting moments with our loved ones. It’s one of the main reasons why I love photography and videography; to document our most treasured memories.
When I first arrived, I kept thinking of how I spent my college summers there, right after my parents decided to move back. Back then I was attending a fine arts school and working towards a photography degree. My classes were full of critiques and constantly taught me to think artistically and create critically. I felt like I reverted back to shooting in that style, in an intuitive and intimate way, to show a story or evoke an emotion. I liked to document what I stumbled upon naturally. Creating for myself, rather than someone else.
Most of the time I was there, I felt more observant. I was soaking it all in. (Quite literally when it came to the food!). I couldn’t get enough of the architecture. The juxtaposition of extreme sky rise groupings of apartment complexes near ancient palaces and temples always trip me out. There are large cities near calm beaches and tree covered mountains. But it is a great analogy for this small country with all of its polarizing opposites. It is full of innovation, high tech, new efficient ways to improve standards of life. But it is also drenched with tradition. The language and food can still date back to ancient times. The culture changes much more slowly as the people hold these traditions dear to their hearts. In some ways, whenever I come back I see all the ways it has changed even in just a couple of years. But overall, I can rely on it to stay the same proud place to call my other home.
Saying goodbye was (and always is) tough. But knowing we will be reunited again someday soon comforted me. For now, I draw inspiration from this beautiful country and my strong, yet kind family.
