{
  "id": 15692667,
  "title": "Photographer examines Jongno 3-ga beyond its 'coolest neighborhood' tag",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/photographer-examines-jongno-3-ga-beyond-its-coolest-neighborhood-tag-15692667",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T03:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20261020/photographer-examines-jongno-3-ga-beyond-its-coolest-neighborhood-tag"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Before Jongno 3-ga earned the title of \"world's coolest neighborhood\" in Time Out's September list, the bustling and vibrant streets had already been home to its reputation as one of Seoul's trendiest hangout spots. However, photographer Park Kwang Bok sought out the area's more challenging yet personal side. His exhibitions, titled \"Earthly Paradise\" and \"Nights in Paradise,\" opened on Tuesday, delving into the neighborhood's rougher, hidden corners in search of stories of happiness, companionship, and freedom.\n\nIn \"Earthly Paradise,\" black-and-white photographs depict companionship and moments of joy among the homeless, despite their difficult circumstances. The exhibition aims to \"lift the veil of social prejudice and reveal the joy, tenderness, and dignity that often go unnoticed.\" Meanwhile, \"Nights in Paradise\" focuses on the lives of gay men who gather around Jongno 3-ga, showcasing the community's humanity and relationships.",
  "summary": "Before Jongno 3-ga claimed the top spot in Time Out's list of the \"world’s coolest neighborhoods\" in September, its bustling, vibrant streets filled with street food stalls and busy shops have long stood witness to its reputation as one of Seoul’s hippest hangout spots. But beyond this trendy landscape, photographer Park Kwang Bok’s attention gravitated towards the area’s more precarious yet…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Photographer examines Jongno 3-ga beyond its 'coolest neighborhood' tag",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/photographer-examines-jongno-3-ga-beyond-its-coolest-neighborhood-tag",
        "published": "2026-10-20T03:02:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}