[Insta Walk] Photo Bookstore Gorae (古來) - The Meaning of Seeing Together

Photo-Centered Gallery 'Ryugaheon'
A Photography Bookstore Located on Basement Level 1
A Space Where Photos and People Meet

Flipping Through Each Photo Book
Allows You to Sense the Artist's Emotions
That Can't Be Felt on Digital Screens

Established Independent Publisher 'Gorae Sajin Gwan'
Aiming to Open Publishing Opportunities
For Independent Artists Facing Difficulties

Interior view of 'Sajinchaekbang Gorae'. Shelves filled with photography books Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Joohee Kang] What does it mean to take a photo? We take photos routinely in our daily lives, but there might be something captured in the photo that we cannot see. It is easy to think that photos simply capture what we see as they are. However, depending on what, how, and from which angle you take the photo, the results can vary greatly. Photography can be said to be a way to see the spaces and objects around us differently. Just as countless people exist in the world, there can be countless perspectives on viewing the world. The act of taking photos is no exaggeration to say it is a process of realizing this.

‘Sajinchakbang Gorae’ (Photo Bookstore Gorae) is a place that gathers the experiences of people who have captured the world from different perspectives. If you exit Seoul Subway Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3 and walk about 15 minutes along the main road, you will reach ‘Ryugaheon,’ a gallery focused on photography located on the right side. The photo bookstore is in the basement level 1 of this place. Recently, many small independent bookstores have been opening in various parts of the city, but what is interesting here is that it deals exclusively with photo books.

Gorae is a photo-specialized bookstore where you can browse and purchase photo books created by domestic and international photographers, as well as various theoretical books related to photography and images. The walls of the bookstore are filled with photo books that have unique personalities. The themes of the photo books vary, including nature, people, and spaces. Yet, a warm gaze toward the subjects that make up everyday life is a common thread. Being in this cozy basement level 1 space surrounded by photo books of various colors gives you the feeling of being alone in a treasure trove unknown to anyone else.

Cha Yoonju, the owner who has been running Photo Bookstore Gorae since 2017, opened this place with the hope that people interested in photography could access it more easily. She finds great joy in talking about photography and sharing thoughts with people. "When I took photos as an amateur, photo books were very helpful. For those who are not majors, taking many photos and looking at many good photos is the biggest help, but when you actually try to find photo books, they are not easy to get and are expensive. I thought it would be nice to have a space where people can comfortably look at photo books."

Exterior view of 'Sajin Chaekbang Gorae' located on the basement first floor of the 'Ryugaheon' building, a photo-focused gallery in Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

The name of the bookstore carries a deep meaning reflecting Cha’s thoughts on photography. When you hear ‘Gorae,’ you usually think of the marine mammal whale, but the bookstore’s name uses the Chinese characters ‘古 (old)’ and ‘來 (come)’ to mean ‘looking at images that come from the past together.’ Cha said, "I thought a lot about how to embody my thoughts on photography. Since Gorae generally makes people think of the animal we know, it also gives a friendly feeling. I think it’s interesting that one word contains two meanings," showing her affection for the name.

Why is she so passionate about photography? Cha finds it fascinating that you can discover something new through photography. She said, "Photos seem to be taken according to the personality of the person who took them, but when you gather them, sometimes they are completely different, and sometimes they reveal sides that resemble you without any concealment. You discover things you didn’t know about yourself. That’s why I keep taking photos, and I think that is the charm of photography."

In the digital age, anyone can easily search and find any image on their phone, so why do people still seek photo books? Cha explains that through photo books, you can understand more clearly what the creator wants to express. She said, "There are limitations when you only look at photos on a screen. It’s like watching a movie in a theater even though you can watch it on your phone or laptop. Each photo book contains the creator’s concerns and efforts in the arrangement, composition, and texture of the paper. You can feel a flow through the photo book that you cannot experience on a screen."

Black and white photo posters and booklets attached to the wall of Photo Bookstore Gorae. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

Photo Bookstore Gorae aims to be ‘a space where photos and people meet.’ Besides the name Gorae, this place is also a caf? called ‘Dengo’s Coffee.’ It is a bookstore and at the same time a space where people can drink coffee and read somewhat difficult and unfamiliar photography theory books together while sharing opinions. Cha also arranges small gatherings where people can meet and talk directly with photographers. She said, "When studying photography, sharing opinions helps a lot in understanding. The theory book reading program is not about teaching someone unilaterally but about each person reading the book and sharing their thoughts. I think the role of the bookstore is to provide opportunities to look at books together."

Bringing in various photo books is not easy. Cha said, "I contact publishers to get books, and sometimes bring them directly through artists. I also inquire to purchase books from abroad. Since I cannot order in bulk, I have no choice but to get them through word of mouth."

Cha plans to continue operating this place to not forget the meaning of ‘looking at photos together.’ She emphasized, "Bookstores are actually hard to make profitable. Especially among independent bookstores, photo bookstores are a minor of a minor. Still, the reason I run this place is because of my interest in photography and people."

She added, "Due to COVID-19, we couldn’t hold many book gatherings. Recently, we had an online meeting, and it was meaningful in its own way." The program involved taking photos every day for 30 days, certifying them, and sharing opinions. Many participants felt again that looking at photos together and talking about them is a precious and rewarding part of life.

Cha, who established a publishing company called ‘Gorae Sajin-gwan’ (古來寫眞館), plans to publish photo books by photographers in the future. She also expressed her hope to serve as a publishing company that can help independent artists who are struggling. She said, "There are many things to consider when making a photo book, so artists have difficulties. I hope this will be an opportunity to accumulate and share these experiences, reduce trial and error, and spread the awareness of a community that helps each other."