South Korean photographer shows what relaxation looks like in one of the world’s hardest working countries

CNN — Outfitted with a large film camera and often dressed in athletic wear, Seoul-based photographer Kim Seunggu has spent almost 15 years capturing the essence of what he calls “leisure culture” — vacationing, poolside unwinding and communal gatherings — in contemporary South Korea. Kim Seunggu Kim’s locations for “Better Days” often focus on the middle class, rather than the upper echelons of Korean society. “Such depictions reveal a lot about the era, as upper-class life is often hidden behind layers of luxury, while the open culture of the common people reflects a modern folklore.” Uncovering cultural resilience To better understand South Korea’s unique leisure culture, Kim looked to its historical backdrop — particularly the cultural stagnation that followed the decades of Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War. In turn, Kim said, South Korean society became what he called a “flexible community” that blends individualism with mutual trust — and where gatherings among strangers are considered routine and safe. He insists his work does not directly address political issues, but when asked about various challenges facing South Korea today, from recent political turmoil to a deepening demographic crisis, the photographer said he considers society’s “contradictions” to be “growing pains toward a better democracy and a better world.” He sees these ideas as part of “Better Days,” adding: “Korean society has overcome many challenges through the power of its citizens, and the passion reflected in our leisure culture indicates the potential for improvements.” A scene from a festival at the Salgoji Sports Park.