Smiles of South Korea | Photo Essay

The smiles series continues with my focus now shifted towards a country that I’ve spent more time abroad in than any other.  If you haven’t guessed it already, it’s South Korea – my home away from home.  

My various jobs as an ESL instructor across the country have literally funded all of my backpacking adventures.  By saving diligently I’ve spent extended time backpacking all over Asia and covering a decent chunk of territory in North and South America with little more than my backpack and trusty sandals.  

This is where my personality manifests itself as Dr. Jekyll (serious role as a teacher and saving hard) whereas my backpacking adventures are more aligned with Mr. Hyde (carefree, swashbuckling backpacker) providing a bit of an interesting yin-yang cycle in my life over the past six years.  

Anyhow, I’m a big fan of South Korea and I couldn’t say enough positive things about the people, culture and food; however, what I’m taking the time to show you in this photo essay are the people.  

This is a photo essay featuring Koreans as captured by their radiant smiles.

A smiling and warm hearted Korean man with his dog on the pedestrian street of Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.

A young boy beaming a smile and performing equestrian tricks at the Korean Folk Village located in Yongin, South Korea.

A candid moment shared between a couple of the bustling street of Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.

A smile of the Korean bride during a tradition wedding ceremony (which was staged) at the Korean Folk Village – Yongin, South Korea.

A candid moment with a lady having what appears to be a very happy and possibly humorous conversation on her cell phone as she rides the Metro in Seoul, South Korea.

A Korean traditional dancing performer flashing an authentic smile as he delights the crowd at the Korean Folk Village – Yongin, South Korea.

A picture of one of my favourite students from the elementary school I taught at in Daejeon during my very last class way back in 2009 – Daejeon, South Korea.

A picture of a Korean lady wearing traditional clothing (also known as Hanbok) at Gyeongbokgung Palace located in Seoul, South Korea.

A travel photo of some smiling statues/sculptures/totem poles located in Gyeongbokgung Palace – Seoul, South Korea.

An elderly Korean lady radiating a warm smile to her customer as she prepares some Korean traditional food in Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.

A young teenage male performer posing for a shot after just completed some impressive Korean Folk dancing at the Korean Folk Village – Yongin, South Korea.

A photo of two Korean ladies grinning as they walk down the popular tourist cultural district of Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.

A Korean traditional mask (that looks rather happy) on display and for sale at a local shop located in Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.

A lady walking down the street with a Korean sweet filled pancake (known locally as hotteok) – Seoul, South Korea.

A photo of either a tourist or local taking shots of a store along Insadong – Seoul, South Korea.

Finally, another shot of a cute Korean student from my time teaching in Daejeon, South Korea.