Top 10 photographic locations

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By Aaron Raisey



What are they? It`s a tough question and when it was asked of me, several obvious spots sprang to mind. Insadong in Seoul, Palaces in Seoul, the view from Seoul`s Namsan Tower, the DMZ.

These locations are certainly must-haves and almost all expats in Korea, no matter where they live, get to Seoul at least once before returning home. But let`s set these locations aside for a moment and think about other locales around the country. Places that might provide something unique or special photographically while retaining that `Korean-ness` we`re looking for.

I put the question to the Seoul Photo Club and a distillation of the collective wisdom and diverse photographic experiences revealed 10 places that, while admittedly are a bit general, have the benefit of being accessible to anyone almost anywhere in Korea.

Here they are:



1. Boseong tea plantation in South Jeolla Province

You won`t see a greener place in Korea. In season, the curving rows terraced upon the hillsides catch the golden sun in the afternoon and make for amazing images. Try to strike a time when there`s few people though. Like anywhere in Korea, this isn`t easy.



2. Jeju Island

There is so much to be impressed by in the breathtaking landscapes that Jeju Island offers if you are prepared to go a little out of your way to seek a choice vantage point. Mount Halla and the oreum colonies are truly unique in Korea. Use the sunrise and sunset to enhance these incredible vistas.



3. Buddhist temples

Bulguksa near Gyeongju is the big one of course, but no matter where you are, there is a Buddhist temple nearby. Special mention must be made of Gwaneumsa on Jeju Island with it`s hundreds of stone statues, Buseoksa in North Gyeongsang Province sports the patina of age and Bongeunsa nestles quietly amid the shining glass and steel of Gangnam in Seoul. Of course look out for the small hidden temples tucked away on a mountainside or in an inner-city back-alley near you.



4. Traditional markets

Again, these are ubiquitous but of special appeal is the opportunity to capture the characters you will see and meet, especially in the smaller towns and villages. Not to mention all manner of culinary delights to impress the family back home.



5. Rice fields in South Jeolla Province

Spectacular carpets of vivid green in the summer and seas golden yellow in early fall. Bump up the saturation levels for some stunning acreages of solid color. Best in the late afternoon for maximum effect.



6. Festivals

Korea, as we all know, is the land of festivals. Two events worth mention outside of Seoul are the dynamism and colors of the Maskdance Festival in Andong and the Jinju Lantern Festival with the brilliant and creative lanterns afloat on the Nam River.

7. Fishing village

Any journey along the south and east coasts of Korea will take you not only along some fantastic coastal scenes but also through any number of small fishing villages where you can capture countless squid drying in the sun alongside socks and t-shirts where the pace and style of life remain almost unchanged from pre-industrial Korea.



8. Metropolitan back-alleys

Getting off the beaten track in urban areas will yield some surprising photographic opportunities. Buildings in various stages of demolition and decay make great images, while modern structures often provide a backdrop of contrast for traditional tiles and eaves. Just don`t wear that good white shirt.



9. Night views of Seoul

The view from the Namsan Tower is the obvious candidate here, but try a hike up one of the several mountains surrounding Seoul for a different night-time perspective. Wander up Inwangsan for a fantastic view of Gyeongbok Palace and greater Jongno while the summit of Gwanaksan overlooks impressive night lights in areas further south.



10. Anywhere you are

Finally, probably the most important photographic location in Korea is anywhere you are. One of the great positives Korea has as a photographic location is the seasonal cycle. Blossoming in spring, verdant in summer, colorful in autumn and white in winter, the seasonal changes to the character of the country are dramatic and often provide something new to see all year round no matter where you are. All you need to do is be out there with that camera.

(raisey@hanmail.net)