The photographs in this portfolio are samples of those taken during a month-long visit in May, 2014. Anyone who thinks that they can “do” Korea in 5 days, as so often is the case, will miss so much of the fabric of this unique country. Even a month was insufficient. While Seoul absorbed most of our time and attention, we did make time to travel into the countryside, especially to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Temples.
There are a few themes illustrated with these photographs. Design is paramount in Korean culture, having roots as deep as the 10th century - or earlier - and is certainly expressed in contemporary society. Architecture, urban planning, museums, galleries, temples, and public art in the streets and parks all bear witness to this. In fact, Seoul was declared International City of Design in 2010 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, which holds consultative status to UNESCO.
The extent of urban renewal that is visible throughout the main urban centres was not expected, especially in Seoul. At the end of the Korean War in 1953, with huge financial aid from the U.S., Korea embarked on a breakneck economic growth program, which resulted in Seoul being rebuilt rapidly to accommodate the migration of workers from rural areas, and for emerging businesses and industry. Little attention was afforded to design and planning. Now that the country has achieved prominent economic status, the revitalized cities are reflecting very careful planning in architecture, urban design, open space, landscaping, and sustainability. Seoul in particular is being directed more and more to its evolution as a “green city”. In fact, "Design is a growth driver of the Seoul economy…..Seoul will send out the message that design is the power to change the world for the better" (Seoul Mayor, Oh Se-hoon). The goal is to create a "soft city with creative energy….to transform itself to become a city in which its citizens are at the heart of very consideration." The drive to provide more open space within Seoul, more green space, more landscaping contrasts strikingly with the increasing density of high rise residential and commercial towers in downtown Toronto, where open, especially green, space has precipitously declined.
Thirdly, Korean society and culture are increasingly reflecting western influences. The ongoing presence of American armed forces here undoubtedly has played a major role, but so has the national obsession with learning English. And like so many countries that have experienced affluence in recent years, western values, culture, dress, music and media are sought and absorbed. Fortunately, in Korea, strong national, cultural and historic pride continue to temper this trend.
The portfolio here is far from complete, but it should serve to give the viewer a taste of contemporary Korea.
There are a few themes illustrated with these photographs. Design is paramount in Korean culture, having roots as deep as the 10th century - or earlier - and is certainly expressed in contemporary society. Architecture, urban planning, museums, galleries, temples, and public art in the streets and parks all bear witness to this. In fact, Seoul was declared International City of Design in 2010 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, which holds consultative status to UNESCO.
The extent of urban renewal that is visible throughout the main urban centres was not expected, especially in Seoul. At the end of the Korean War in 1953, with huge financial aid from the U.S., Korea embarked on a breakneck economic growth program, which resulted in Seoul being rebuilt rapidly to accommodate the migration of workers from rural areas, and for emerging businesses and industry. Little attention was afforded to design and planning. Now that the country has achieved prominent economic status, the revitalized cities are reflecting very careful planning in architecture, urban design, open space, landscaping, and sustainability. Seoul in particular is being directed more and more to its evolution as a “green city”. In fact, "Design is a growth driver of the Seoul economy…..Seoul will send out the message that design is the power to change the world for the better" (Seoul Mayor, Oh Se-hoon). The goal is to create a "soft city with creative energy….to transform itself to become a city in which its citizens are at the heart of very consideration." The drive to provide more open space within Seoul, more green space, more landscaping contrasts strikingly with the increasing density of high rise residential and commercial towers in downtown Toronto, where open, especially green, space has precipitously declined.
Thirdly, Korean society and culture are increasingly reflecting western influences. The ongoing presence of American armed forces here undoubtedly has played a major role, but so has the national obsession with learning English. And like so many countries that have experienced affluence in recent years, western values, culture, dress, music and media are sought and absorbed. Fortunately, in Korea, strong national, cultural and historic pride continue to temper this trend.
The portfolio here is far from complete, but it should serve to give the viewer a taste of contemporary Korea.