Photography in ROK

[frank-grumman]

I may be assigned soon to a military base near Seoul, ROK. Any of you all been there recently (or not) who might be able to tell me about the "rules of the road" while photographing in public?

Also, what have you found to be the most expeditious way of traveling about? It appears from searching the net that there is quite an efficient public transportation system.

Thanks in advance, F-G

 

[oftheherd]

I haven't been there since 1987. Bill58 may see this and be able to comment on current transportation.

AFIK, the public transportation is still good. In the city of Seoul there is a subway system, and public buses. Both may be crowded from time to time. My second time there I used local buses from where I lived into Yong San. It was OK. You may want to consider buying a car. Will you be there as military, DA Civ, or contractor? That might determine if/how much it might cost. But many Koreans now have cars.

Outside Seoul, again there are buses, locals and highway buses. The latter can be comparable to highway buses in the USA. Trains are another way of moving around. I don't know what it is like now. Before, there was 1st Class (only from Seoul to Pusan, but I think that has expanded), 2nd class, and 3rd class. On 1st and 2nd class, you bought a ticket for a seat. 2nd Class was not as posh, but OK. 3rd class, you just bought a ticket for the train. If you were lucky enough, you got a seat before others did. If not, you stood or sat on your luggage in the aisleway. Some places only had 3rd class service.

There are lots of photogenic places. You will find some from talking to others, and some only by talking to Koreans. Or by asking USO or such places. Don't be afraid to stay in Yogwans, some are really hotels, but don't have to meet the same standards.

Good luck.

 

[Spicy]

Be prepared to get a lot of grumpy looks from people, especially the older generation. Usually doesn't matter if you have a camera or not, though, lol. Generally you can get away with a lot, if you can stomach being grumbled at. Most people will just mutter "eh, foreigner..." and continue about their business while giving you a sour face.

Every once in a while though, a smile will get one in return.

The subway in Seoul is incredibly easy and convenient to use, other than closing relatively early given how much Koreans like to party -- a little surprising. It's cheap as hell, though, and the buses are getting more and more English support, but can be intimidating if you don't really know your way around. If you're asking about transportation with regards to traveling, they have a great and cheap intercity bus system, and high-speed trains that go to pretty much any city outside of Seoul worth going to.

 

[markwatts]

If you behave with humility as one should always do overseas then Korea is a good place. Be polite, show respect and relax. This is a developed country with sophisticated people.
Taking pictures is no big deal, behaviour far more so. Good luck and enjoy

 

[frank-grumman]

Rok

Rok

I'll be going there as a civilian contractor for the DoD, initially to a hospital for orientation in Yong San, thence to Camp Casey/Camp Red Cloud, Dongducheon area. Of course this all assumes that the verbal harangue between ROK and NI is only saber rattling and doesn't escalate to combatives.

Yes, many, many years ago, while in USMC and stationed at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, I learned the incredible value of humility and gratitude toward the folks whose country it was, and found them to be utterly gracious, kind and generous.

Thanks for the scoop on transport.