South Korea

Miquel - Seoul, South Korea by Matt Treager

A recent portrait of Spanish national Miquel Rossello, founder of Somos Café. When his previous job as a Spanish teacher in Korea ended, Miquel started his own business and opened up Somos, a café and space in the Sinchon neighborhood of Seoul. Offering everything from Spanish lessons to dance parties, Miquel's ambition is to share his Spanish heritage and culture with Korea. 

Shot for Groove Magazine.

blog-20131207-grv_latino-IMG_1085.jpg

Grace - Itaewon, South Korea by Matt Treager

Another portrait from yesterday's shoot for Groove Magazine. Grace is a Korean national who spent her early childhood in Argentina, and in the past, worked for both the Mexican and Colombian embassies in South Korea. Meeting a Korean who can speak fluent Spanish was a unique experience, especially in a mostly mono-cultured country like South Korea.

untitled-0895.jpg

Fall Colors - Byeonsan-bando National Park, South Korea by Matt Treager

Sacha and I went out for a mini-vacation this past weekend to Byeonsan-bando National Park. This is the walk up to the Naesosa Buddhist temple at the foot of one of the mountains. With the colors at their peak and a nice mist moving in from the coast, I don't think we could have timed our trip better!

byeonsan-6952.jpg

Everyday Korea by Matt Treager

As I'm nearing the end of a soft-relaunch of my website, thought I'd update with another new gallery. For those of you who have been wondering what I've been up to during my year-long stint in Korea, these photos will give you a little bit of an idea. We'll elaborate with stories on our personal blog too, but that's for later on...

Most of the photos were shot with my new Fuji X100s, a most generous wedding anniversary gift from my beloved wife. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite cameras to shoot. Seriously, if you're considering one, you won't regret it one bit.  

Go on, take a look at the photos here!

 

20130727-jeju-DSCF4418-fw.jpg

Joe Wirtheim by Matt Treager

As an effort to build my portfolio up with more portraits, I've been taking portraits of friends and acquaintances in my down time in Jeonju. I had been planning on taking an environmental portrait of Joe, owner and artist at Victory Gardens of Tomorrow. His work advocates for sustainable farming practices, such as urban gardening and locally grown produce. I got a fire put under my butt to get a shot sooner rather than later when he approached me about commissioning a piece to appear on the blog TheHorticult.com, as his work is being featured in an upcoming article. We found an urban garden in Jeonju (they're EVERYWHERE) and set to work. Here's some of the finals - enjoy!

joe-1.jpg
joe-2.jpg
joe-3.jpg

Updates from South Korea - Jeju Edition by Matt Treager

I've added some photos from a recent trip to Jeju Island on my "Recent Work" tab, and I have a few more to share here as well. Big portfolio relaunch coming soon as I prepare to approach a few Korean magazines with proposals...more to come!

Fisherman in Mokpo, South Korea

Fisherman in Mokpo, South Korea

Riding the ferry to Jeju Island

Riding the ferry to Jeju Island

Dad and daughter near Sagye Beach, Jeju Island, South Korea

Dad and daughter near Sagye Beach, Jeju Island, South Korea

Approaching Jeju Island

Approaching Jeju Island

Offerings at Buddhist temple built into the side of Mt. Sanbang, Jeju Island

Offerings at Buddhist temple built into the side of Mt. Sanbang, Jeju Island

Haenyeo (해녀), which translates into "sea women", are an icon on Jeju Island. These women free-dive for sea urchins, abalone, octopi, and other seafood. They are renown for their strong wills, being able to hold their breath for up to two minutes div…

Haenyeo (해녀), which translates into "sea women", are an icon on Jeju Island. These women free-dive for sea urchins, abalone, octopi, and other seafood. They are renown for their strong wills, being able to hold their breath for up to two minutes diving to depths of 20 meters.