Korea in Your Eyes Photography Competition 1st Winner
Sean Kruger
Rice Field under the Sun
Travelling throughout South Korea we have always enjoyed the ever changing site of 논- the rice fields. The rice patties change throughout the season; starting in the early spring with just dry earth molded into patterns, then being flooded, and when you look again in mid spring there are green shoots reaching out of the flooded fields. Soon summer is in full swing and these once dry lands are lush radiant green and full of life, with life hardened farmers constantly tending to their rice plants, bent over knee deep in the mud all day.
2nd Winner
Anthony Hodge Lanterns
Buddha's Birthday is celebrated every year in the spring. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, temples and monasteries around the country are decorated with hundreds and thousands of brightly coloured paper lanterns. This photo was taken at a small temple on the slopes of Geumo Mountain, overlooking the city of Gumi, just as the last rays of the sun disappeared behind the peak.
3rd Winner
Andrew Philips After the mud fight
Every year thousands of Koreans and expats flock to a small coastal town about 200 km south of Seoul to take part in an epic mud fight.
The Boryeong Mud Festival is a wildly fun event centred around the slick grey local mud, which is rich in minerals and is used to make cosmetic products. The Internet is already crowded with pictures of festivalgoers plastered in mud, laughing and wrestling. And so I like the stillness of this photo, taken as the sun sets over Daecheon Beach – clean and muddy figures walking as equals,
silhouetted by the twilight glow.
Cat Anderson
The heart of Han River
This is by far my favourite photo and memory of my Korean stay. On one of the several days we spent along the Han River, this one involved a sunset cruise through the city’s business district, meeting a group of young Korean’s and spending a few hours singing songs as one expertly strummed his guitar. In and amongst the dancers and singing and stunt bicycle riding and food stalls, we ended up with fireworks above us and this wonderful water show in front. As the lights illuminated the fountains, I was struck by how many locals were at the water’s edge, in awe of the show. Cell phone cameras flashes and couples held each other close as we all admired the scene. It was truly a spectacular day.
Naeem Adam Take off
A town filled with colour. Stand the queue- we all get our one chance to fly. A neighbourhood previously forgotten by the rapid development within and around the city centre, Iwha Mural Village presents itself as a perfect example of urban renewal where art and installation have acted at catalysts in improving the living and recreational lives of citizens and visitors. Over 60 murals fill Ihwa-dong, adding a vibrant and charismatic atmosphere within and amongst the trendy cafes and restaurants, steep hills, narrow alleys, and surprising silence.
Nico Vermeulen Old vs New
Seoul is a stunning city. Like the rest of Korea it has so much history and is so modernized. Samcheheon-dong, is one of these places where the old styled hanok houses are being preserved. These old houses lend a authenticity to Seoul and gives a stunning atmosphere when walking down the streets with Seoul Tower and the rest of modern day Seoul in the background. The experience makes you think about how these beautiful old and new? places, can live in harmony together.
Imraan Cassim Public affection
Public displays of affection in Korea isn’t as open as it may be in other parts of the world.Although the younger generation’s mentality is undergoing a change, many Koreans are still not open to kissing in public. Simple pecks might be tolerable to some, but most Koreans will refuse to be seen in public participating in one of those movie-style open mouth kisses. Even something as simple as hugging significant others may be a bit more awkward than what
you’re used to. You might be told to chill out if you’re being too affectionately touchy on a Seoul subway.