Better Days

All work, no play? Leisure culture in South Korea
Over the past forty years, South Korea's economy has developed rapidly, with various consequences. As well as long working hours, many Koreans only take half of their vacation, and due to lack of travel time they mostly spend them at home. At the same time, the South Korean population is aging, the society is characterized by a hierarchy determined by age and social status. Seunggu Kim shows us the special South Korean vacation culture of urban leisure facilities in his balanced image compositions, but also focuses on how people deal with the challenges in a country full of contrasts. His photographs visualize people's fast-paced lifestyle and community-based trust, and he shows South Koreans adapting to their situation and enjoying themselves. The series Better Days received the Ilwoo Photography Award 2023.