18 days and counting.

"Beep."

The price of a standard fare on the subway is 900 Won ($.80), for each zone beyond the basic distance, the fare raises 100 Won. For a single use ticket, the customer must pay in advance, selecting the beginning and ending station. For those with T-Money cards (prepaid balance), the turnstile takes the standard fare when entering, and deducts the extra charge upon leaving the ending station. For anyone riding the subway for more than a few days, the T-Money card is a convenient option. The cards or phone charms are 5,000 Won, and allow the customer to bypass the purchase of a single use ticket each time. T-Money can be used in a number of other places including convenience stores.

19 days and counting.

Burn one down.

Barrel fires are a common site in the industrial areas of Seoul. Mostly found in the lots reserved for material recovery, the fires burn for warmth on the cold winter days. In some cases, the fires also act as a waste reduction strategy for the businesses. Instead of paying to dispose of the wood scraps from broken pallets, a burn barrel effectively turns the wood into ash, while simultaneously contributing to the air quality issues. In many cases, a burn barrel can be detected by smell before it is seen; if not for the common scent of combusting wood, then for the common scent of combusting chemical soaked wood.

20 days and counting.

New old growth.

Once the site of a horse racing track, the small peninsula which hosts Seoul Forest is now one of the largest green spaces in Seoul. Until recently, the neighborhood surrounding the park consisted of mainly three and four story apartment buildings, which was once the common dwelling in the city. Naturally, the inception of Seoul Forest increased property values and demand in the vicinity. As a result, over the past year, two significant changes to the skyline have grown into view next to the park; luxury apartments. These behemouths are visible from halfway across the city, because there are no competing structures, and the river provides an obstructionless view. It's easy to imagine the view from the top is stunning.

21 days and counting. Addendum.

Wider.

Widest.

Infinity.

21 days and counting.

Artificial stream.

On a clear and not too cold late winter evening, a great place to see the vast expanse of Seoul is from Namsan (남산, Nam Mountain, South Mountain, etc.). The early evening traffic is easily visible by the endless streams of headlights and taillights winding through the landscape of urban illumination. Well known for Seoul Tower, a tourist destination perched on top, Namsan is geographically centered in the city. Within the Namsan park, there are many hiking trails, walking paths, and only one road open only to buses and taxis. A 360 degree view of Seoul is available in a short trip up, down, and around this mountain.

22 days and counting. Addendum.

Ready to roll.

22 days and counting.

Could this be your grandma?

In Korean cities, it seems all recycling collection from apartments is done by the elderly. The typical process involves methodical sorting of materials into one or more rickshaw-like carts. The materials are hauled to nearby material recovery facilities, where they are sorted into large piles and sold by weight. It's difficult to imagine much prosperity in such an occupation; it's even more difficult to imagine why this task seems left up to the functioning elderly. Society has put these people into a situation of need, and considering their skill sets, age, and physical abilities, there are probably not many high paying jobs available to them. Some claim this to be a product of a changing familial trend in Korea. Traditionally, the eldest son is responsible for the care taking of his parents, living with them through their last years. Systematically, this is a problem if there are no children, or the eldest son lacks means to handle such a responsibility. It could also be a product of gentrification from the rapid expansion of Seoul, leaving manual laborers out of work. Or, maybe these individuals believe idle hands do the devil's work.