Sol-Sol: capturing Seoul’s street style

A culturally diverse city, South Korea’s bustling capital Seoul is filled with interesting individuals whose styles are represented in their daily get-up. For three years, Sol-Sol has wandered Seoul’s streets, capturing the style of its inhabitants: from the outlandish to the understated. We asked Carl, the photographer behind Sol-Sol, all about his adopted hometown. Here’s what he said:

Tell us a little about Sol-Sol … how did it begin?

So, Sol-Sol started in 2013; it was myself and my roommate who started it. We had just moved to Seoul and everything was so different (for both of us being from South Africa). The thing that we could both agree on was how differently people dressed in Seoul, to our home country, and so we decided to document it. Sol-Sol Street was born in March 2013.

How long have you lived in Seol? What do you love about it?

I have been living in Seoul for four years now. I love the food, but I don’t love the winter.

Have you always had an interest in street style?

I would say that I wasn’t interested in street style before I came to Korea. Only once I got here did I really get an interest in it.

Are people often surprised when you approach them for a photo?

Very much so. They usually give me one of three responses: a most certain ‘yes’; completely ignore the foreigner coming toward them speaking horrible Korean; or a polite but quick ‘no’, and the walk away …

How would you describe the Korean sense of style?

I would say that 90% of the youth in Korea pay attention to what they are wearing. I would say that Korea is a very image-conscious country. Well, at least in the major cities.

For a first-time visitor to Seol, what are your must-visit destinations?

Hongdae, Gwanghamun, Han River, any of the mountains in the city limits, Itaewon and Gangnam.

What are your favourite places for food in Seoul?

Hongdae and Itaewon are my favourite areas to go for food in Seoul.

What are your favourite places for coffee?

Coffee Lab in Hongdae, hands down.

What’s your ultimate Korean food?

At the moment my favourite Korean food is jeyuk deopbap.

Do you have a favourite Korean film?

I haven’t watched too many Korean films, but I enjoyed OldBoy.

What about your favourite Korean bands or musicians?

We Dance, Hyukoh and Seoul Seoul Seoul.

Have you visited Seoul? What are you favourite places to visit? Tell us in the comments below.