Bansong-dong, Busan, South Korea : a photo essay

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Everyone in Bansong is an apartment dweller, and there seems to be a steady trade in indoor plants.	Dozens of little shops would desperately like to become supermarkets, but they all sell the same stuff.	Bookshops are scattered here and there, often doubling as video rental and music stores.	Marriage is big business. The several photo studios in town all feature contrived photos of gorgeous brides & grooms, or cute kids (babies to about 5 y.o.)
Koreans sleep on the heated floors, using quilts rather than sheets and blankets. Bedding shops are a common sight.	This wannabe mini supermarket sells milk about half the price of most other places. You have to shop around for occasional bargains like that.	Koreans have traditionally eaten dogs, but the pet idea is catching on, at least while puppies are cute. I've seen them dyed fluorecent green and purple.	Aramart is the nearest thing to a real supermarket, but don't expect to find everything you want.
Aramart checkout is the moment of truth. Groceries in Korea average double Australian prices, five times Chinese prices.	The selection looks good, but close inspection will show much that is unique to Korean tastes rather than mine (not surprising!)	Garbage is a major cottage industry in Bansong. This is somebody's kingdom. How do they divvy up the territory?	Old ladies totter around the laneways with these handcarts, assembling loads of recyclable trash. It must be a hand-to-mouth business.
The municipal development of Bansong grew from a shanty town. By rubbish tips along the river you can still find collections of hovels.	This machine is a mystery. A weight is on one end, a dog pelt on another. The third arm has a dog leash, and the whole thing revolves in a circular path. Down by the shanty town.	Vending machines are ubiquitous. They sell slender cans of soft drink, or tiny paper cups half filled with luke warm brown liquid.	Mountain water is valued for its health, but there is no charm about its collection. This facility way above the town is visited by folk pushing shopping trolleys of plastic bottles.