Rooftop Cats of Seoul
On tiled rooftops, street cats have found their safe space. No one can reach them. They quietly observe the world below, and when the moment is right, they climb back down to the ground surface, alert and hungry.
Rooftop Cats of Seoul
On tiled rooftops, street cats have found their safe space. No one can reach them. They quietly observe the world below, and when the moment is right, they climb back down to the ground surface, alert and hungry.
Awards
Photographer of the Year Contest
2025People’s Vote Award
Domestic Animals
Non Professional
Honorable Mention
Domestic Animals
Non Professional
Nominee
Street
Non Professional
Rooftop Cats of Seoul
On tiled rooftops, street cats have found their safe space. No one can reach them. They quietly observe the world below, and when the moment is right, they climb back down to the ground surface, alert and hungry.
About Artist
Cyril Chan
Cyril is an American expat based in Seoul and a photographer in his free time. He enjoys street photography, and street cats are his favorite subjects. He began taking photos of street cats in Seoul after losing his beloved cat of 12 years to cancer. As he grieved the loss, he took long meandering walks around the city, and in the Seochon neighborhood known for its maze of alleys and traditional hanok houses, he encountered numerous street cats, beginning with a calico with a talent for standing straight up to receive a treat. Fascinated by their different personalities and their ability to survive, he began bringing along his camera to document the street cats of Seochon and, eventually, the street cats of other neighborhoods in the city of Seoul. He has photographed more than a hundred cats over the past year, attempting to capture their charm, mystery, and resilience throughout the four seasons.
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