Seoul Spotlight: Photographer Rala Choi on Being Inspired by Human Relationships

The fine art photographer’s images are inspired by the human interactions he witnesses between the inhabitants of Seoul. He shares the best places to eat, hike and find inspiration in the city.

Korean photographer Rala Choi makes the kind of work that you immediately stop and stare at, or scroll at, for that matter. The result of working in analogue and with no postproduction effects, Choi’s painterly and vivid abstract images are as haunting as they are enticing. “I take photos of the things I experience and express my feelings and emotions with colours and characters,” he says.

Although he grew up in the countryside outside of Gimhae, the photographer is now based in Seoul, where much of his surroundings and experiences in the city are reflected in his work, particularly “the numerous human relationship happenings that many lonely people experience as they live side by side with each other.” In his images, Choi’s subjects are typically facing away from the camera, capturing coNFLicting emotions of loneliness and warmth.

Choi first got into photography while doing Military service back in 2006, but it took him another ten years before he’d be able to follow his passion full time, previously supporting himself with more commercial work that, he says, didn’t fulfil him.

Breaking into the industry proved difficult. “The market for fine art photography is very small in Seoul and South Korea; most Korean galleries don’t present photography artists unless they are well-known legendary photographers,” he says. 

While Choi acknowledges the recent boom in popularity of K-pop and culture on an international level has ushered in more opportunities for Korean artists, having an international name like Frieze launch in Seoul has helped further “promote international exchange and collaboration,” providing a platform for local artists to showcase and interact with a wider audience.

Since 2016, Choi has held numerous exhibitions in Seoul, but the past two years have seen him exhibit internationally and grow his name abroad. With solo and group shows in Barcelona, Hyères, Paris and London. This year alone, his work has also been shown at international photo fairs in Copenhagen, Basel, and London. 

Where in Seoul do you call home?

I live in the Segeomjeong area, in the Jogno district. Its place name is derived from the meaning of sharpening a knife.

What characteristics and traits are unique to someone from Seoul?

Always very efficient. Living in such a fast-paced city, it almost becomes second nature, and most people feel it as soon as they arrive.

The best place to eat?

There’s a place that translates to “Old Noodle” in English at 47-1 Chebu-dong, near the Gyeongbokgung palace, the location is a perfect stop-off for anyone sightseeing. I always come back to it as it uses only natural ingredients.

The best view in the city?

The Namsan Tower circular trail is a walk you can do around the Namsan mountains that’s well-paved and not too challenging. It’s the best way to see the city as it changes with each season.

Your happy place in the city?

Always Bukchon, even though the main parts are quite touristy, it still has many hidden parts to discover. And the village of Seochon is considered one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, and though the Seoul has changed a lot, it still has its original charm.

Your favourite art institution?

The Samcheong branch of The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art always has the best exhibitions on Korean artists. Running until the end of September is an exhibition on the Korean landscape architect Youngsun Jung.

Where can I find inspiration in the city?

Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong are great places to find artistic inspiration with galleries, cafes, and traditional architecture. I’d say both areas are a must for someone visiting the city for a more authentic experience.

Check out a curator’s guide to Seoul here.