Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Rural Korea [Photo Essay Contest]
The Korea JoongAng Daily hosted its first photo essay contest for elementary, middle and high school students on the theme: “Promote the beauty of Korea to foreign countries." The contest ran from October to November. Photos containing scenes of traditional culture, family love, places to see and tasty treats in Korea were submitted for the contest.
Grace Cho from Seoul Foreign School won the silver prize in the high school category for this photo essay.
K-pop, K-beauty, K-cuisine, K-dramas—I’m more than confident that you know or at least heard about these 4 big K’s. Think about it. Kimchi, Squid Games, Parasite, BTS, Son Heung-Min…you name it and it’s probably somehow Korea-related. That being said, it’s not an overstatement to say that this small-scaled peninsula captured and captivated the hearts of larger nations across the globe.
However, when imagining this renowned country, it is highly likely that the image of a rapidly advanced city comes to mind. With intricate subway lines, clusters of towering apartment buildings, and bustling nightlife in shopping streets, Korea is acclaimed for its metropolitan sights. Yet, South Korea is a country more than what is confined to the city of Seoul. To this day, the rural sights and wide-reaching countryside within less-known Korean provinces remain the hidden beauties of the beloved country.
I have to admit that I was one of the urbanite civilians who believed that Korea’s beauty merely was limited to its large cities. The bustling street life, sky-scraping infrastructure, and ultra-fast wi-fi—I was blinded by my fixed standard of beauty. I know I’m not the only one. As one New York Times article states, “92 percent of the country’s population now lives in urban areas”, confirming that the rural side of Korea is certainly not the most prominent area. It wasn’t until an unexpected family trip to a reed field in one of the central provinces, Jeollanam-do, that opened up my eyes to a new type of beauty in Korea.
The Suncheon Bay Reed Field is a remarkable sight to behold. As the largest colony of reeds in South Korea, the fields of Suncheon Bay are entirely covered with reeds that are taller than a full-grown adult. I arrived in the early morning, brisk winter air flushing my cheeks. In Suncheon Bay, you’ll hear the high-pitched whistles of the white-naped crane and the bristling of the swaying reeds against the gentle winds. As you walk down the wooden path that snakes throughout the field, I’m certain you can only think of one word—beautiful. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the angelic beams of sunlight that began to emerge behind the murky clouds. It’s a day that I’ll never forget. Even when I look back at that photo, a sense of serenity overwhelms me.
South Korea’s countryside unfolds like a painting. It features lush green fields, terraced rice paddies, and meandering streams that weave throughout the landscape. In every season, the rural scenery transforms—blanketed in cherry blossoms in spring, bathed in golden hues in autumn, and veiled in pristine white snow in winter. Rural villages often are nestled in valleys and hills, and here, the pace of life slows. You’ll be able to witness the timeless customs and traditions passed down through generations. Hanoks, traditional Korean houses, are just one example of how the rural side offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage that harmonizes with the surrounding natural beauty. In addition, the countryside is the heart of Korea’s agriculture. Visitors can observe farmers cultivating their fields, and stopping at local markets allows one to gaze upon the vibrant colors of fresh produce and smell the fragrant aromas only local delicacies can bring. Those you meet in the rural countryside are also known for their genuine hospitality. You’ll be sure to experience tight-knit community members inviting you for a meal. In their terms, a new neighbor or visitor is regarded as just another extended family member. The warmth and love Korea’s rural life exudes is just another charm in its beauty.
As we venture beyond the cityscape, we unveil a different facet of Korea's allure—one that whispers tales of ancient charm, captivating nature, and the simple elegance of rural life. The quiet corners of rural Korea speak not in words, but through its distinguished beauty. Away from the typical urban clamor lies a different kind of beauty I wish everyone could experience once in their lives. Its tranquility and homeliness offer peace to the soul and rejuvenate the body. As the world discovers this quieter side of Korea, I’m certain a more profound appreciation for the nation's multifaceted beauty will blossom. That being said, for your next trip to Korea, why don’t you add a destination located in the heart of Korea’s countryside? Although you may be foreign to its wonder at first, I’m sure you won’t be able to resist its irresistible allure soon enough.
By Grace Cho, Seoul Foreign School
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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