The work from Yonsei University has been keeping me very busy over the last few weeks. However, it has also been really fascinating and is giving me a foundation from which to start making images of Korea. I am studying Korean Buddhism, Culture, Institutions and Development, as well as the Korean language. So, much of my time has been spent reading and not doing much photography, although I have also found some great locations to visit in the city where I can make some images.
So, has there been anything unusual over the last few days? Well, yes, there has.
Firstly, there was a very heavy example of a phenomenon known as ‘yellow dust.’ This is sand picked up by winds in China, which blows across the Korean peninsula and carries pollutants with it. It produces a very eerie effect in the sky and the whole place takes on an amber glow. I will photograph it when it next occurs. If it is really heavy, you are advised to stay indoors and people wear masks when they venture outside. It is really quite a weird effect.
Secondly, I have noticed quite a few example of what I can only describe as ‘art dogs!’ These are dogs dressed in clothes (yes, that’s right) and some even have dyed hair. I have attached a photo of an example of a typical trendy pooch out on the streets of Seoul. Also, I found an interesting dog coat that looks like it is an attempt to disguise your dog as a sheep! Maybe they have a different type sheep dog out here? Perhaps they disguise their equivalent of Border Collies in order to better sneak up on the unsuspecting sheep. Or maybe they do not have any sheep and so make pretend ones from their dogs! It is all very odd. I do not think that it will take off back in the Lakes, but you never know!
