OIDO IN FILM: CAPTURING SUMMER
Oido (South Korea) in July, 2024
In the early days of 2007, when I first relocated to South Korea, I needed a creative outlet beyond the corporate world I was about to plunge into. Little did I know how transformative photography would become—not just a hobby, but a way of seeing the world. It influenced everything, from how I approached creativity, to the way I arranged my home, always with a focus on simplicity and harmony. Photography became a constant companion, and over time, I learned to both follow and intentionally break its rules.
This July, I set off on a journey to Asia with my mom—a special trip I hope to take with my kids when they’re grown. Our itinerary took us through Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Qatar. It was a whirlwind adventure, with each destination offering its rhythm and surprises.
While in Korea, our schedule was packed. But on one of the last sunny Sundays, we decided to escape the city and head to Oido, a small coastal peninsula southwest of Seoul. We wanted to see how the locals soaked in the final days of summer. With my Leica MP and a roll of Kodak Portra 160, I was ready to capture those moments.
Oido is a short drive from Seoul—about an hour or two, depending on which part of the city you start from. For us, the ride was quick, a smooth escape from the urban rush into the calm embrace of the sea. Oido feels like a breath of fresh air, where the heat of summer slows down life, and people gather to enjoy the sun, the sea, and each other.
Oido, South Korea map
And here are the pictures I took on that day (click on the images to enlarge):
The Power of Analog Photography
There’s something hard to put into words about analog photography—it feels different. It’s the warmth, the grain, and the imperfections that digital can’t replicate, no matter how advanced the editing tools. Film adds a layer of unpredictability and nostalgia that makes every shot feel special, like capturing a piece of time rather than an image.
NOTE TO SELF: Embrace the imperfections in photography as part of the story. There’s joy in knowing that not every shot will be flawless, but it will be real and raw. The film, with all its quirks and unpredictability, captures that authenticity. Sometimes, it’s the imperfections that make a moment unforgettable.
