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Faces of Insadong – Seoul, Korea
Faces of Insadong Korean portraits in Seoul, South Korea
If all roads in Korea lead to Seoul, few roads in Seoul can compare with the bustling hive that is known as Insadong. Insadong is known as ‘the traditional’ street in Seoul where Koreans and foreigners converge on mass to sample a slice of traditional Korean music, performances, culture, street food, antiques, arts, crafts, restaurants & trendy cafes. It certainly creates an interesting dynamic, as one is just as likely to spot a group of trendy Japanese tourists as they are a robed monk. As a travel photographer who loves to take candid portraits, I can’t think of a better spot in all of Korea to wield my camera. When I come to Insadong my biggest concerns are whether or not I’ve charged both of my batteries and brought enough memory cards 😛 The following is a photo essay of the distinct faces I’ve encountered wandering down one of my favourites streets in all of Seoul:
Photo Essay: Distinct Faces of Insadong
A Korean man wearing traditional attire plays a traditional instrument delighting passing pedestrians.
A Korean lady flashes an enormous smiling face while enjoying snapping a photo with her large pink tablet. I still find it a bit strange when seeing people taking photos with these kind of tablets – Insadong, Seoul, Korea.
This adorable Korean girls takes a bite out of her ice cream as she’s being carried piggyback by her father in what is a very cute moment.
In this photo a tall foreign lady is rendered into a motion blurred streaking figure. As a travel photography tip, for those wanting to emulate this photo, you’ll need to use a slow shutter speed and take a lot of photos, as luck is a big component with this kind of shot 🙂
A small Korean boy and girl dressed in traditional attire enjoy a refreshing bite of an ice cream cone.
This Korean man shares a cute moment with his dog – dressed in a warm suit – as he tenderly kisses the top of its head.
A Korean man wearing glasses and a big grin hugs his dog in Insadong, Seoul, South Korea.
A fit looking Korean couple confidently strut their stuff down Insadong as though it were a catwalk 😛
A lady takes a photo of the street food she has just bought by extending her left arm and holding her point and shoot in the other.
Nothing but smiling faces with this couple – Seoul, Korea.
A Korean couple embrace with a hug on the street of Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.
Two Korean girls enjoy hotteok 호떡(Korean style pancake filled with brown sugar, peanuts, cinnamon & honey) in Insadong, Korea.
An animated Korean couple share a candid moment on the streets of Seoul, Korea.
A Korean monk wearing a grey robe texts into messages using his cellphone. I’m at surprised at how many monks I can see in Insadong.
I spotted this wild temptress lurking in Insadong on a fine summer day. It’s been a lot more fun travelling in Seoul since I met Audrey (That Backpacker). We often head out on Saturdays to visit a new area each weekend.
Insadong Video #1
Insadong Video #2
GORGEOUS photos. You really captured the beauty of Insadong.
These pictures speak for themselves. You have captured the “soul” of Seoul very beautifully.
Nice work buddy! Having just left Korea myself recently these pictures remind me why I like & miss it so much!
Well helloooooo at the male half of the fit looking couple. Ooh la la, I love a Korean man with tattoos – especially when they carry lollipops in their pockets! As for the other tattoos, I love the one of the couple laughing together – so cute! And the woman with the pink tablet, too. I generally avoid Insadong (too crowded for my liking) but enjoying these pics of it.
It looks like your temptress won’t be eligible for the ‘Smiling Faces’ blog
Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper cool! Lots of great smiles! I really like the couple in embrace. Do people do that a lot int he open in Korea? They don’t so much here in Japan…
Wow, great photos Samuel! I especially love the one of the girl taking a picture of her food! Really great shot! You definitely have given me a feel for the area and I’ve never been there! 🙂
Great candid shots. Love that little girl in the traditional dress!
Thanks Callie, I like seeing locals dressed up in traditional hanbok but it doesn’t happen all that often.
a pic of a piggyback ice cream girl is so cute! one of the best captures i have seen lately.
Thank you! That was a cute moment 🙂
I always love seeing your “Faces” posts, Samuel! Really enjoyed this one!
Thanks Jeremy! Much appreciated. I should have more coming soon 🙂
You really do a great job of capturing people- I’m so jealous, that is my biggest weakness (among many) in my photography.
Thanks Erik, I think with practice you could get really good at it. I just started doing it one day and haven’t looked back.
I miss Insadong! The guy on the 9th photo reminds me of Koreanovela leading men *giggles*
I have yet to write about my Korea trip =))
It was a lot of fun hanging out with you there Mica! Seems like such a long time ago now! HA