A Few Signs

I started my photo shooting day after lunch with capturing a few colorful signs along the main street of Gangnam. I always hated shooting in places that are crowded. But, that was unavoidable here today. When I shoot, I am totally lost in the moment in what I am trying to capture. I don't notice anything around me. And, that's a bad thing in crowded areas. Which is why I hate shooting in crowds. Now, it's perfectly safe here and nothing will happen, but one never knows. Plus, I hate getting in other peoples' way and/or accidently bumping into people, which has not happened yet.

Anyways, I managed to get a few images before one particular store owner became upset at my photography of her store sign. Why she felt this way I have no idea. This turned me off and I just left the area. As I had already struggled to get the few images I had gotten, I didn't need this negative emotion to spoil my day.

Whatever!

Glass Jungle

Gangnam in Seoul is the wealthy area of the city, and of the country for that matter. I've heard about it ever since I got to Korea, but really never got around to seeing it till now. The main street is wide and busy with well known international name brand stores along it. The side streets parallel to it are filled with restaurants and bars of all descriptions; a lot of them international in cuisine, too. There is also a vast underground shopping complex centered around the subway station.

And, boy, is it crowded with a virtual sea of people everywhere. Getting from A to B was a chore due to the crowds. But, for the most part, I was most intrigued with the tall glass office towers at the main cross streets. As these are a bit removed from the main shopping and eating areas, the sidewalks were almost deserted, owing in no small part, no doubt, to the holiday. And, that's what I spent most of my time studying today. It was very relaxing and quiet away from all the people, especially after a less than great start to my photo shooting day.

The Squiggly Building

Today was a holiday due to the national elections in South Korea. No school. WooHoo!

I decided to go back to Gangnam today and have another meal at PhoMein (it was just as good as the first time) as well as do a bit of exploring of the area and, specifically, that squiggly building I saw the first time around. I really don't know what it is as it's still under construction, but it made for an interesting photo study.

I might also have found an authentic Japanese noodle place, too. Unfortunately, it closed just as I was about to head over and give it a try for dinner. The pix of the food looked authentic enough. I'll have to head back and give it a try another time. Look for a review when that happens. I think they closed early today due to the elections.

Note: Some of the shots here are just there to give you an idea of what the entire building looks like. The others are more of a fine art bent; my generally preferred shooting style. I need to go back and do some more shooting when this thing is finished, too.