Contact Sheet (click to enlarge)

YEJI YUN

I took the photos for this project the same way I take photos every day. With my regular camera, I shoot landscapes, people and events that surround my everyday life. While I'm used to taking snapshots of my friends' life styles, this time I tried to convey more about the city of Seoul through the 36 photos.  The very first shot of Namdaemun Gate reflects this. However, at that time, nobody knew that it would be left in ashes a short while later. I originally expected this shot to be quite boring and mundane, but after the recent tragic events, it became the most heartbreaking. 

I hung out and visited places the same way I do ordinarily and took photos along the way.  The process took me on a journey through the following places: Itaewon, a hangout for foreigners and homosexual people, Dream Cinema with its rainbow signboard, now facing the prospect of closing down, the Hongdae area with its mix of Indie culture, art, bands, parties and all kinds of cafes, a friend's flat, where we gather to idly pass the day, and finally alleyways in Jongro, which still capture a sense of vintage, Korean culture.   Our daily lives in the big city can become quite similar.  But there must something that originates from the specific culture and traditions of the location. Then, what is this for Seoul? Although sometimes the city seems very common without any special attributes, I still think there are elements that can only be found in Seoul.  With infinite love and hatred for it, we all live and play around in this remarkable city.

Selected Prints (click to enlarge):