Title: Unwinding in a Nation Known for Its Grind: Relaxation in South Korea
In the heart of a nation recognized globally for its lengthy work hours and the threatening phenomenon of "gwarosa," or death by overwork, South Korean photographer Seunggu Kim's ongoing series, "Better Days," offers a striking contrast. This series finds its relevance in a landscape where Millennials and Gen Z protested against the government's attempt to expand the maximum working week from 52 to 69 hours in 2023.
Kim's leisure culture in South Korea holds its roots in a yearning for relief from the country's intense work pressure and fast-paced lifestyles. Inspired by the aspirations of everyday people observed during his childhood and fuelled by a compelling urge to document, Kim, 45, commenced capturing these scenes in 2010, during his graduate studies.
His project took him to various locations, including the popular Jangheung Hanok Swimming Pool, known for its mineral waters against a traditional Korean house backdrop; Royal Azaleas Hill, famous for its blooming azaleas; Mulbit Park, offering tranquil nature trails; and city parks' campsites. The photographer's series garnered critical acclaim, earning him the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Photography Competition and a shortlist nomination for the BBA Photography Prize.
Kim's upcoming book, "Better Days," features almost 50 photos from the series, delving deeper into themes of community, recreation, and work-life balance. By reflecting the fleeting moments of early-21st-century South Korean society, Kim, who looks up to American color photographers such as Richard Misrach and Joel Sternfeld, has emerged as a chronicler of modern Korean life.
The Art of Location Choices
In Kim's photographs, the bustling cityscapes serve as backdrops for lively leisurely pursuits, creating a stark contrast between daily life's pressures and moments of joy that punctuate it. His photograph of the Hanok swimming spot showcases a teeming pool, framed by traditional Korean architecture of wooden structures and curved roofs. Children splash in the water, and laughter almost fills the air, while parents lounge poolside in vibrant swimwear.
Meanwhile, in Royal Azaleas Hill, pink blossoms dominate the scene, reflecting the significance of seasonal festivities in Korea. Kim chooses locations that primarily represent the middle class, emphasizing a diverse and inclusive representation of Korean society.
Uncovering Cultural Resilience
Kim's work reflects the unique leisure culture that has emerged in the wake of historical events that stifled cultural progress, such as Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War. The 1980s and '90s marked a significant shift toward political reform, fostering a strong desire for freedom and Western cultures. This cultural transformation co-exists with a sense of community rooted in Confucian values and a collective yearning for freedom stemming from Japanese occupation and dictatorial regimes.
Kim emphasizes the importance of individualism and the community blended across spatial and temporal boundaries. His photographs serve as testaments to a society grappling with the pressures of long work hours and rapid modernization while finding moments of joy and connection. While not explicitly addressing political issues, Kim's work represents the society's contradictions, serving as "growing pains towards a better democracy and a better world."
“Better Days,” published by Kehrer Verlag, is now available.
[1] Seunggu Kim. (2023). Better Days. [Book] Kehrer Verlag.[2] Kim, S. (2015). Better Days. [Photography Series][3] Shaw, H. (2023). South Korea's Overwork Culture: Consequences, Challenges, and Proposed Solutions. IJES (International Journal of Educational Studies).[4] Kim, S. (2022). Reflections on Better Days: South Korean Leisure Practices. Photography Magazine Online.[5] Seunggu Kim's Portfolio. (2023). [Online Website] seunggukim.net/portfolio.
In Seunggu Kim's photography series, "Better Days," he captures the arts of leisure and relaxation in various locations, such as the Jangheung Hanok Swimming Pool, showcasing traditional Korean style against a backdrop of vibrant swimwear and laughter (Reference 2). Kim's choice of locations, like Royal Azaleas Hill with its blooming pink azaleas, represents the middle class and provides a diverse and inclusive view of Korean society (Reference 1).
