Heesoon Pi

Guryong Village: A Tale of Two Worlds

Nestled in the affluent Gangnam district of Seoul, Guryong Village presents a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers and luxurious apartments that surround it. This small community, situated at the foot of Guryong Mountain, offers a glimpse into a simpler, more traditional way of life. The juxtaposition of Guryong Village and the surrounding high-rise developments is a striking visual metaphor for the rapid urbanization and societal changes that South Korea has undergone. The author’s decision to document the lives of Guryong Village residents reflects a desire to preserve a vanishing way of life and to challenge preconceived notions about poverty and urban development.
The text suggests that Guryong Village serves as a microcosm of broader societal issues, such as the tension between tradition and modernity, the impact of rapid urbanization, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Heesoon Pi is a South Korean photographer who documents the vanishing neighborhoods of Seoul. Her works, such as “Jeongneung-gol” and “Guryong Village,” offer intimate glimpses into the lives of marginalized communities. Through her lens, she captures the stories and the spirit of these places, often overlooked in rapidly changing urban landscapes. Pi’s work has been exhibited at prestigious events like the Busan and Jeonju International Photography Festivals.