Publication of the Research Monograph "Photo Studios of Korea"
Available on the National Folk Museum of Korea Website
Special Exhibition "The Golden Age of Photo Studios" Opens
The National Folk Museum of Korea announced on May 22 that it has published a research monograph titled "Photo Studios of Korea," which documents the stories of photo studios and photographers. This project was carried out as part of the "Modern and Contemporary Lifestyle Culture Survey," which studies spaces and professions that were closely connected to the lives of Koreans during the modern and contemporary periods.
Exhibition hall view of the special exhibition "The Golden Age of Photo Studios." National Folk Museum of Korea
"Photo Studios of Korea" explores the history of photo studios in the country from the 19th to the 20th century, and was produced through on-site research at nine photo studios across various regions nationwide. In addition, a special exhibition linked to the lifestyle culture survey, "The Golden Age of Photo Studios," has also opened.
Photo studios were introduced to Korea from Japan in the late 19th century and spread throughout the country. After liberation, photographic technology and equipment from the United States became widely consumed, especially among the upper class. In the 1980s, photo studios began to experience widespread popularization.
Photo studios have long served as archives that capture precious moments in life, but with the advancement of technology, their role has diminished and they now face the risk of disappearing. In response, the National Folk Museum of Korea has created an opportunity to share the stories of neighborhood photo studios that may soon vanish.
The publication examines how photo studios have changed over time, including Baekwoo Photo Studio in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province, and Hyundai Photo Studio in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, both now operated by the second generation of family owners, as well as Youngmi Photo Studio in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, which is now in its third generation.
The publication also highlights how photo studios have adapted to changing times. For example, Sejong Studio in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, has introduced video cameras to produce recordings of various events, while Myungseong Photo Studio in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, has started a camera rental business. These are just some of the diverse examples of change that can be observed.
A museum representative stated, "Through the stories shared by nine photographers, we hope visitors will discover the photo studio as an old friend that has quietly captured precious moments of life, from birth to death, while remaining by our side for many years."
The research monograph "Photo Studios of Korea" can be downloaded from the publication search service on the National Folk Museum of Korea's website. The special exhibition "The Golden Age of Photo Studios," held in conjunction with the publication, will run until July 27 in Special Exhibition Hall II at the National Folk Museum of Korea.
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