What should I say about Seoul?

What should we say about Seoul? When we started this book we wanted to create an alternative tourist guide to the city. We took photos, talked to local designers, and tasted the Korean cuisine. Back at home, we became painfully aware that our impressions weren’t so alternative after all. We had fallen into the trap of documenting and viewing Seoul through a typical western lens—thereby reproducing a stereotype. This was a humbling discovery about ourselves. So, where to go from here? Ditch the whole project or start anew? We decided to double down on subjectivity. But instead of just portraying our subjective viewpoint, we asked others to include theirs as well. This way, the book gives a glimpse into South Korean society that is not so common after all. By no means is the book all-encompassing. We focused on the works and experiences of designers because that is what we could relate to the most considering we are design students ourselves.

Some of the insights into the Seoul work experience appear grim at places. We think this was in part colored by the ongoing pandemic that forced people to cut down on social interactions. Despite the work conditions, the designers we spoke to where overall happy with the work they did.

We also included the experiences of Korean-German designers in the book and through that we noticed that there is really no reason to think of Germany as a country that “has it figured out.” The modern workplace can be a very mixed bag at times and bad working conditions plague the creative industry worldwide. Speaking about these experiences allows us to feel less isolated and work towards change—so it is not all doom and gloom. Over all, we encountered many instances of motivation and inspiration in the interviews. The interviews also gifted us with the title for the book. When formulating answers to our questions the interviewees often used the phrase “뭐라고 하지?” (molago haji—“What should I say?”). This grasping for words expressed our own uncertainty over formulating something definitive about Seoul so we found it to be a perfect fit for the book’s title.

So, what should we say about Seoul? Nothing conclusive, but a lot that makes you want to know more.

David Wiesner, Omid Fröhlich, Youjin Kim Editorial Staff

Well, since I studied Design, I had really no other choice than to become a designer. In the beginning it was very difficult. I was always questioning myself and doubting my work. I thought nobody wanted my Design. I am really proud to create the design for this year’s ‘Pride Parade’ in Seoul. Being part of the community myself, it feels great that I can contribute to the parade. The biggest obstacles I face in my design process are grids and typography. This is possibly why I get so much inspiration from my former teacher. Looking at

How did you end up doing what you do?

Should I Say the work of other designers allows me to see my own designs from a new perspective and inspire me to explore new ideas. I like to go out with my boyfriend. We visit new restaurants or just walk around the city together. The whole city is made up of restaurants—you know, because everyone loves good food in Korea. So it’s really nice to discover new restaurants and cafés.

What work are you especially font of and tell me w hat makes it special to you?

How do you get over obstacles in your design process?

Living with my boyfriend in a small apartment is not easy. I also am worried about politics a lot.

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