A beautiful Culture, Ever-Changing

As US citizens, we are so proud to be part of the “melting pot” of the world. An American can be anything and anyone from anywhere. “American” is an idea… But I can't help but feel lost, like we have no true identity. We are the color white - everything and nothing, all at once.

What is an American? What is our culture?

I have had the privilege to spend a year in another land and culture. I've spent my time documenting the clash of both old and new Korea. It has been 71 years since the end of the Korean war - there are people alive today who experienced that nightmare. It is a different world today. One of the United States' staunchest allies, South Korea has been increasingly becoming more “Western”. But the Korean people have fought to preserve their ancestral roots in the form of beautiful dance, music, hanbok (traditional dress), and landmarks. Below is a snapshot of some of Korea's beautiful traditions.

Traditional Korean dance • Korean Folk Village, Yongin • May 2021

Sentries stand guard • Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul • April 2021

Changing of the guard • Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul • May 2021