There is much said in the news about the incredible growth of the South Korean economy, and rightly so. However, the reality is that South Korea is not “there” yet, and there are still two Koreas: one is old and one is new (See James Pawlowski’s photo for an interesting look at the new Korea).

This hand-drawn cart represents the old. After the Korean War, the south was devastated and the north was being supported with money from China and the Soviet Union. For the first 20 years after the war, the north was actually outpacing the south. But in the past 40 years since the war’s end, the north’s economy has stagnated and begun to retract (accelerated by the fall of European communism) and the south has raced past them in impressive fashion.

The generation who lived through the Korean War is still alive, and you can see the people moving about society, especially in an older neighborhood like this one. The people collect recyclables, and are the primary street vendors, jobs that are often looked down upon in this new society. During the time immediately after the war, these older Koreans would have lived in very difficult (sometimes extreme) economic situations, with saving, collecting, and using anything and everything a characteristic of this generation. Therefore, I can only assume that they are doing what they know how to do, which is use every resource available.

It’s a strange dichotomy as these are the most respected members of society — primarily because of their ages and family positions — but they are doing jobs that most young people would consider to be low or blue-collar.

Admittedly, there is much about this culture and people that I do not — and probably will never — understand. I wish I could as I have many questions but no one to answer them. All I have are my observations, including my photographs. It’s a rich and complex environment to photograph, as there are many layers below what you see. I hope that my photographs capture some of those layers, and I encourage you to learn more about this up and coming player on the Asian scene.

The Water Street Cafe is a small coffee shop located in the same building in which I live. As someone who really appreciates a good cup of coffee, I can’t explain to you what it’s like to open your front door or open a window and have the smell of freshly ground coffee filling your home. It’s pretty close to what I imagine heaven to be like.

The owners met while they were in college at Michigan State University. She’s a graphic designer and photographer, he’s in textiles and is a working barista. They’re very nice and, in the few weeks we’ve lived here, we have become acquaintances (I told you I appreciate good coffee).

The logo in this image was designed by the wife of the owner, who designs all of their marketing and promotional materials herself. It’s a cool operation. If you’re ever in the Itaewon area of Seoul, drop me an email and I’ll tell you how to get to the Water Street Cafe.

EXIF

ISO: 800  |  Aperture: f/8  |  Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec.  |  Focal Length: 35mm