Long-term foreign resident exhibits 50 years of photography in Korea

Tom Coyner, a U.S. photographer who has lived in Korea for half a century, is presenting his extensive body of work for the first time in a solo gallery exhibition. The exhibition, which will take place at KOTE Gallery in Seoul's Insa-dong neighborhood from September 15-20, features 15 framed prints, several unframed prints for sale, and numerous photos displayed on a large monitor. The photos, which span from his arrival in 1975, will offer a glimpse into Korea's cultural landscape as seen through Coyner's lens.

Coyner first came to Korea in August 1975 as part of the Peace Corps, where he began teaching English at a rural middle school. He later developed an advanced English and American society course for the Ministry of Agriculture. Throughout his two-year stay, Coyner found himself constantly capturing images of Korea's temples, landscapes, and people.

Reflecting on his photographic experiences in the 1970s, Coyner said, "It was an interesting challenge of temples, landscapes and people." He added, "Much of the time, I waited impatiently for people to get out of the way of my temple shots, only to regret years later, as they gave important time anchors to the timeless temples."

At the time, photography was a more labor-intensive process compared to today. Unlike modern smartphone cameras that can capture high-quality images, Coyner relied on film and the patience to wait for subjects to move out of the frame. Today, as nearly everyone carries a smartphone capable of taking good quality photos, Coyner's photography offers a unique perspective on Korea in the 1970s.