Jason Teale Photography

14/06/2026

After nearly 23 years of living in Ulsan, I'm still discovering new ways to see this city.

Recently, I wrote a blog post called Through the Lens: Finding Beauty in Ulsan. The article was inspired by a moment at the 2026 Ulsan Global Festival, where I was fortunate enough to receive recognition for my photography work. But the post isn't really about awards.

It's about perspective.

When I first arrived in Ulsan, I saw what many people see: factories, shipyards, and an industrial city often overshadowed by Korea's more famous destinations. Over the years, however, my camera taught me to look deeper. Beyond the smokestacks are quiet coastal villages, mountain trails, vibrant festivals, hidden cityscapes, and stories that most visitors never notice.

Photography has given me the opportunity to share those stories with others. It's helped me connect with people from around the world, teach photography to new residents, and contribute in a small way to how this city is seen both locally and internationally.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that beauty isn't always found in the obvious places. Sometimes it's found in the city you've lived in for decades, once you slow down enough to really look.

If you've ever felt uninspired by a place, I encourage you to grab a camera, take a walk, and challenge yourself to see it differently.

You might be surprised by what you find.

📖 Read the full article here:

Through the Lens: Finding Beauty in Ulsan
https://jasonteale.com/blog/2026/05/through-the-lens-finding-beauty-in-ulsan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

When I stood on stage at the 2026 Ulsan Global Festival to receive an award recognizing my work with multicultural families over the past two decades, I felt a strange mixture of gratitude, pride, and disbelief. Recognition has never really been part of the equation for me. Most of the projects I’...

27/05/2026

Ulsan’s Rose 🌹 Festival gave me a rare opportunity to use a close-up filter on my 70-200mm lens for some macro photography.

26/05/2026

Buddha’s Birthday at Tongdosa always feels like stepping into another world.

I chose Tongdosa this year to escape the chaos of the bigger city temples, and it turned out to be the perfect decision. As night fell, thousands of lanterns lit up the ancient temple grounds beneath the mountains, casting this incredible glow across the old wooden halls and stone pathways.

There’s something about photographing places like this that goes beyond just taking pictures. It’s the atmosphere. The silence between the crowds. The feeling that for a few hours, time slows down.

Definitely one of my favorite nights behind the camera this year. 📷🏮

16/05/2026

Thursday night in Gyeongju was one of those evenings that just sticks with you. 🏮✨

The 2026 Hyeongsan River Lantern Festival filled the riverside area around Geumjangdae with thousands of glowing lanterns, reflections, and soft light stretching along the water. Walking the paths beside the river and then viewing everything from above at Geumjangdae gave two completely different perspectives of the festival atmosphere.

What I really enjoyed was how relaxed and accessible everything felt. Even with so many people visiting, it never felt overwhelmingly crowded, and it was easy to slowly wander, take photos, and simply enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.

Spring nights in Gyeongju always have a certain feeling to them, but the lanterns along the river made this one especially memorable. 🌙📸

📍 Hyeongsan River & Geumjangdae, Gyeongju
📅 May 14 – May 31, 2026
🕕 18:00 – 22:00

#경주

05/05/2026

The Taehwaru in Ulsan

05/05/2026

The lanterns are popping up all over the city.

26/04/2026

In the bamboo forest in Ulsan, South Korea

26/04/2026

One of the most beautiful places in Ulsan

26/04/2026

Ulsan at night

25/04/2026

Stepping out of my comfort zone a bit with this set.

At Haedong Yonggungsa, I had the chance to witness the Dragon King Ceremony—a ritual rooted in prayers for protection, abundance, and harmony with the sea. Monks chanted rhythmically as performers moved with intention, each gesture carrying layers of meaning that go far beyond what you see on the surface.

I’ll be honest—this isn’t my usual style. I’m more at home chasing landscapes, light, and quiet moments. But there was something about the energy here—the sound of drums, the movement, the expressions—that pulled me in. It forced me to slow down in a different way, to anticipate moments instead of waiting for them.

These images are less about perfection and more about experience. About being present in something unfamiliar and letting it shape how I see.

Sometimes the best thing you can do creatively… is put yourself where you don’t quite belong.