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www.groovekorea.com / January 2014 94 A ndrew Faulk is an American living and work- ing in Seoul. In this month’s Capturing Ko- rea, he gives us the details on Wawoojeong- sa, a temple complex south of Seoul that is one of his favorite places to photograph. The temple is a respite, he says, suitable for a day out photograph- ing, picnicking or just relaxing in the mountains. Groove Korea: Give us an introduction to your- self, the man and the photographer. Andrew Faulk: I am a Tennessee boy living and working in Seoul. My wife and I have been in Korea for over four years and call Seoul home. I love cof- fee. I love British comedy. I love heavy metal. I want to be a hermit when I grow up. Photography? I cannot talk much on gear or tech- niques. I know very little about art in general. I am just a “weekend warrior” making pictures of any- thing and everything. I especially enjoy portraiture. I adore photos; there’s nothing more to it. What makes Wawoojeongsa one of your favorite temple complexes to photograph in Korea? Not only is Wawoo my favorite temple to photo- graph, it is my favorite place in Korea. I am not a city man — I never will be. Wawoo is nearly 50 kilo- meters outside Seoul in the Yunwha Mountains, far enough to see rice fields, smell fresh air and forget about my concrete existence. The complex is close enough to escape the city bustle without relying on the KTX or paying for a hotel room. The complexes inside of Seoul are aesthetically beautiful, but these temples are laced with urban- ity. I am more likely to be called to reflection by car horns than mantras. At times, Wawoo is the antithesis. Though the complex is a major tourist attraction, Wawoojeongsa is slow. Nurturing. Reti- cent. It oozes a contemplative energy. Because of this, I feel like I can relax, take my time and make a photograph without fretting about what, where or who comes next. You have some really unique angles and compo- sitions in this collection. What are you looking for when you approach a complex like this? I am looking for a calmer pace. If I can physically slow down, my eyes begin to play. At first glance, temples in Korea appear similar: teal green doors with intricate handles, black cylinder tiled roofs, statues within. These are the details, the parts that create the whole. But looking even deeper CAPTURING KOREA Edited by Josh Foreman (joshforeman@groovekorea.com)