Last Updated on 06/03/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
All images by Andrés Gallardo Albajar. Used with Creative Commons permission.
When we talk about Seoul, it’s almost always more about the food, pop culture, and shopping that comes to mind. Architecture isn’t commonly the first thing mentioned. However, Estonia-based photographer Andrés Gallardo Albajar reveals the South Korean capital is actually peppered with many architectural elements that have interesting lines, curves, and shapes.
Seoul takes the first spot for the Asian run of Andrés’ Urban Geometry series. Shot between February and March 2018, the two-part Seoul edition takes us to some of the architecturally interesting locations around the city. Among them — and perhaps the highlight of the sets — is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid Architects, which opened four years ago. The 38,000-square-meter cultural complex is the capital’s hub for art, design, and technology. 45,000 aluminum panels make up its beautifully curved and sculpted facade. The interiors are just as breath-taking, with ultra-modern shapes, lines, and silhouettes at every turn and corner. Definitely a picture-perfect location every urban photographer and architectural photographers shouldn’t miss when Seoul-searching.
Another is the mesmerizing Seocho Garak Tower East, which Andrés snapped at the perfect angle that shows its hypnotic beauty. I mean, just stare at the photo and move your eyes around the frame and the curves almost seem to move! The wave-like facade is said to be inspired by the shapes found in traditional Korean pottery, breaking away from the usual boxy shapes of its neighbors.
Apart from these locations, the sets also explore some of the elements scattered around that may look ordinary on their own. But put them together and we see some intersecting lines, textures, patterns, and combinations that are worth a second look (and photographing, of course).
Don’t forget to visit Andrés Gallardo Albajar’s website and Behance portfolio to see more of Urban Geometry as well as his other works.