Photographing Bicycle Culture and Architecture Along the Han River in Seoul

People next to Han River in Seoul, South Korea, take a break from a walk or a bicycle ride under a bridge where a black van is also parked
An Urban Series for Bicycle Print

The first issue of BICYCLE PRINT features an urban photo series I shot in Seoul. The work focuses on bicycle culture along the Han River and looks at how people move through the city on a daily basis.

Although my background sits mainly in architectural photography, this project allowed me to approach the city from a different angle. Instead of static buildings, the focus shifts to movement, rhythm, and everyday use of urban space.

Architecture Along the Han River

The Han River runs through some of Seoul’s most varied architectural areas. Along its banks, infrastructure, residential blocks, and public spaces exist side by side. Because of that, the river offers a clear view of how architecture frames daily life.

While photographing cyclists, I paid close attention to these surroundings. The buildings, bridges, and paths shape how people ride, pause, or pass through. As a result, the series reflects both the cyclists and the architectural character of the river.

From Architecture to Urban Movement

My work often sits at the intersection of photography and filmmaking. In this series, that approach felt natural. Each image stands on its own, yet together they suggest movement and continuity.

In 2011, I received the European Architectural Photography Prize. That experience continues to influence how I observe structure and space. However, with this project, the goal was not to highlight form alone, but to show how architecture and everyday activity connect.

Cycling as Part of City Life

This series is not only about bicycles. It looks at how people interact with the city around them. Along the Han River, cycling becomes part of a wider system that includes walkers, runners, and commuters.

Rather than focusing on performance or speed, the images show routine. They reflect how cycling fits naturally into Seoul’s urban landscape, shaped by design, habit, and shared space.

Stories Beyond Seoul

Bicycle Print’s first issue also introduces eight cyclists from Korea, alongside stories from six cities around the world. These personal perspectives add context to the visual work and place Seoul within a broader global conversation.

The magazine is published by Propaganda Press, which focuses on subculture, design, and architecture. Being part of this inaugural issue felt less like a feature and more like a shared observation of how cities and cycling intersect today.