Hello!! Ella here from Half Local with our monthly bulletin, live from Seoul city!
It’s Friday afternoon and, as I’m writing, my laptop is perched on one of those low, collapsible tables like you might use when you go camping, except ours is from a church and has some kind of Psalm written on it in Korean. What can we learn from this handed-down piece of furniture? Korean churches go hard on the merch.
quick hits x may
🎧in the headphones: CANNOT STOP listening to this after we saw Zion T last week at HIPHOPPLAYA fest, can’t understand how this song still sounds so fresh and catchy after 14 years????????
🍲on the plate: we DID drop by Namdaemun Kalguksu Alley this week after seeing an exhibition at Groundseesaw Central, and it is still the most stressful and overwhelming culinary experience I think you can have in Seoul. Having said that, it is worth the hype. They give you so much, it tastes good, and it’s so cheap. Put it on the itinerary!
☕in the cup: odd one but if you’re in Yongsan, the Sinyongsan branch of Standard Bun is actually one of my favourite places to go when the weather warms up. It’s never too crowded, the coffee is fine, and you can sit outside. Plus, inexplicably they’re always playing the best UK indie music. I’ve heard Oasis, which isn’t too hard to find here, but also Wolf Alice, Pulp, and Suede.
For this month’s instalment, I’ve actually prepared something in advance! A* newslettering.
Here at Half Local, I really want to platform more artists sharing their experiences of living in Korea. I was introduced to Kendal’s work through a friend, and thought it would be nice to ask some questions and share someone else’s thoughts here (for a change…..!).
Here’s a quick interview we conducted over email last month.
Q&A with artist Kend Seo
Q: First, can you give a quick introduction of yourself and your work?
A: I’m from the UK and have been living in Korea for over 7 years. I started drawing in 2024 when an idea came to mind involving spaceships and eating cup ramen. Since then, I’ve been drawing my feelings on Korea.
Q: You often incorporate Korean elements into your work, like kimchi, yakgwa, hanbok, or Korean architecture. What’s the reason behind including these elements in your work and how do you choose them?
A: A couple of years ago I found I’d lost the initial spark I had when I first moved to Korea and I wanted to find it again. I drew as a way to remember why I love this country and the observations I’ve made over the years. Those things; kimchi, yakgwa, hanbok and korean architecture are my favourite foods and the things that excite my eye here.
When I draw Korean elements I feel a whole new love for them as my perfectionism comes into play and I try to get every detail just as I see it. It has helped me fall in love with Korea all over again.
Q: When you include Korean imagery in your work, what are you more interested in and why? Realistic depictions, accurate colour, or something else?
A: The colour most definitely. I’m obsessed with colour. I’m sure I have tetra-chromacy. I spend a long time trying to get the right shade. However, as well as the accurate colour, I look for the colour that gives the right feeling.
Q: How has your work, or your ideas about art, been influenced by your time in Korea?
A: Each drawing is a little story of my experience here. Blindspot | 사각지대 is my commentary on the punk music scene, Don’t Worry is about mental health and HOMETIME is for the foreigners in Korea. My work couldn’t exist without Korea. It inspires it entirely. I don’t think I would be drawing if I wasn’t here. I’m so aware of my surroundings everywhere I go. I find myself taking photos of random buildings and streets I want to put in a drawing later. I think the way this place is so entirely different from my home country through colours, architecture and food, it makes me want to capture it and share my story. I have so many ideas I want to bring to life! I just wish there were more hours in the day!
Q: You recently held an exhibition in Seoul, can you share more about it?
A: I had a month-long showing at a cafe in Haebangchon, Cysler. I joined an art club (HBC Art Club) last year and the cafe wanted to collaborate. It was my first time seeing all my work up together and was really special to me.
Q: Can you share 2-3 of your favourite places in Seoul/Korea that you would like to recommend to other people?
A: I live in Ilsan and absolutely love it! There is a very quiet and village-y vibe area called Bamgasi with tons of cafes and restaurants that are small and cosy! My favourite cafes are Cafe Sobi for the vibes and Yunsi Coffee for the best coffee. Piece Peace has the most delicious pie!
Recently in Mangwon I visited a cafe called Ugi. It’s a really comfy place! And the dog is very cute.
SOME MORE ART🎨🎨🎨
HBC Art Club (mentioned above) wrote a recount of the art exhibition we held in February this year!
If you can read Korean, you’ll have a ball reading this! If you don’t read Korean, it might be a little tougher for you… But there are some great photos to look at instead🫡
Big thanks to the HBC Art Club member who wrote this up for us!
EVEN MORE ART🖼️🖼️🖼️
Last week, we saw the Seriously Not Serious exhibition by Max Siedentopf at Groundseesaw Central. We had a lapse in judgement and tried to go on the recent national holiday, but the queue was, quite frankly, nauseating. We cut out losses quickly and decided to go back the week after in the morning. Much better idea.
The reason I bring this up is because I think Groundseesaw would be a great addition to any art-lover’s Seoul itinerary.
They have a few locations across the city, and they always put on quite vibrant, immersive exhibitions. I’m pretty sure you can just buy tickets at the gallery if you don’t have a Korean card, but here’s their instagram for more info!
RIGHT.
That’s your lot.
See you early next week for the 10th spot in our 100 local spots in Seoul series! No hints as to what it might be, because I haven’t decided yet. Leave us a comment if there’s anything you’d like to see!
Thanks so much for reading!
Ella💖💖💖💖