WWIM 11 Seoul

World Wide Instameet 11 (#WWIM11) was held last weekend and I once again had the opportunity to joined to the one in Seoul, hosted by Seoul State of Mind. This time, we roamed around the Changdeok Palace (창덕궁) and pretty much stayed there for about 3 hours or so. Since this is my second instameet, I got to see people that I've met from the previous instameet (see WWIM10 post here) as well as new friends, which is always fun :) One thing in common though, is meeting people who are in transit—whether they're here for just a short trip or staying for a couple of years—just like me. It always fascinates me to listen to other people's life stories. I also got the chance to meet a couple of people, who I follow on instagram, in person and get to know them a little bit better. 

To tell you the truth, instagram has connected me to some of the most wonderful people I've met here in Seoul. We bonded through our passion for photography and it has became a window of opportunity to get to know more about the people behind the camera. It has also has given me multiple chances to collaborate with other artists and they were really fun experiences. Through collaborations, you inspire, be inspired, and push each other to be better. And so with that, friendships were born and I'll be forever thankful for instagram for connecting me to these wonderful people. (p.s. this post is totally not sponsored by instagram. just sharing my experience :p)

Anyways, although it wasn't intentional, I ended up shooting a lot of portrait shots this time and got a set of #architectureandpeople series. Can't wait for the next WWIM! :) 

(Special thanks to Ken for hosting WWIM11)

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Photo by: @seoul_stateofmind @inner.pastiche

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Thank you @seoul_stateofmind, @inner.pastiche, @hannahmuhh, @noahskim, @soozee324, @ej_esq, @joankeem, @ian_mckay, @mikekineman for making each shots an interesting one :)

Gentle Monster Merry Go Round

Passed by Gentle Monster the other day and saw this new installation in their exhibition space. Gentle Monster is probably one of the fascinating shops I've ever been to. They use their space as a shop as well as collaborating with the Quantum Project to host art exhibitions. I don't really know much about the space, but according to their website: 

"The Quantum Project presents a new evolution of commercial space by creating fast space that is redesigned every 25 days through collaborations with an extensive range of artists and brands." 

... and this is their 16th Quantum Project—Merry Go Round. 

"A merry-go-round depicts the nostalgia and novelty of childhood, nestled in the back of our mind. The main stage, surrounded by remains of a broken sculpture, is spinning around and around creating a truly surreal vibe: Candies are overflowing in the objects at the ring of the merry-go-round, presenting you with sweet amusement."

The exhibition will be on display from March 3 to 30. If you happen to be in Hongdae/Hapjeong neighborhood and wanna see something interesting, you should definitely visit this place. And you could get free candies too (yes, you can scoop them yourselves and take them home).

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Gahoedong Catholic Church • 가회동성당

On a cold sunny saturday morning, I stepped into this cathedral that combines both Korean Hanok and Western-style architecture. The place was quite. Peaceful almost. Lights coming in through the glass sliding doors on the sides of the Hanok. People quietly looking around the area admiring the structure of this complex. This is a perfect place to just be still and rest from all the hustle bustle of the city. 

I've passed by Gahoe-dong Catholic Church (가회동성당) in Bukchon Hanok Village numerous times before, but never once I entered the place. It's one of those places where you have to step inside to find out the charms of the building. The combination of east and west architecture definitely is very interesting. We also went to the rooftop and greeted with the view of rows of Hanok rooftops with the mountain on the background on one side, as well as the modern city skyline on the other side. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the history of the Catholic church, they have a history exhibition hall in the first floor of the building. 

And for those of you who are celebrating Chinese (Solnal) New Year this week, hope you have a good new year holiday! Spend some times with the loved ones, eat lots of good food, and hopefully get some rest as well. 새해 복 많이 받으세요~ :)

*Special thanks to Robin for showing us this place :)

Here are my photo walk buddies that day. Check out their blog/instagram for more awesome pictures:
@seoul_stateofmind, @ian_mckay, @happyboil, @inner.pastiche

The Libertine

Despite of the fact that I am not a morning person, there's something about weekend brunch that I love (anything that starts before 12pm on a Saturday is early for me :p ). Especially, on a bright sunny saturday like the day I went to the Libertine in Itaewon. My friend actually picked this place for our brunch date. I haven't explored Itaewon all that much so I pretty much followed her lead on this one. The moment I walked in, I immediately loving the vibe of this place. Black and white tiled floor and the natural light coming in from the windows won me over already ;) We got there not long after their opening time and there were plenty of seats available. Sat on the table next to the windows and ordered the Eggs Royale, Cobb Salad, and Greek Yogurt Fruit Bowl. All and all, the food was pretty good, although I wish my eggs were more runny. Wouldn't mind coming back here to try their lunch or dinner menu though. 

The Rubber Duck Project

Last month, the famous giant rubber duck arrived in Seoul and sure enough not long after its arrival, the social media world (read: instagram) is flooded with thousands of pictures of the yellow duck. Along with hundreds other people who is as curious as me, I went to Seokchon Lake (석촌호수) to see this floating sculpture that I'm pretty sure have travelled more countries than me :)

A little about the project, the 300 kilogram, 54-foot tall duck designed by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman and has travelled many countries since 2007  in a bid to "heal wounds" and "relieve tension" wherever it goes. "The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn't discriminate people and doesn't have a political connotation." —Hofmann. For you who is interested to see the duck, it'll be on Seokchon Lake 'til next week I believe.