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Regional Regeneration
The "Regional Regeneration" Project was inspired by the "Youth Village Project," an innovative initiative taking place across South Korea. This project aims to revitalize rural and overlooked areas of the country by inviting young people aged 20 to 30 to live and work temporarily in these regions. Guided by Professor Cho from Sogang University, the program seeks to breathe new life into communities outside Seoul's urban center, fostering local development through exploration, employment experiences, and community involvement.
As part of this volunteer experience, my team and I traveled to rural areas, including Sokcho and Dogo, regions on the brink of being forgotten. Our task was to document the transformation of these places through photography. We captured the "before" and "after" states of various spaces, highlighting how the applicants' efforts had revitalized them. The project aimed to encourage both local and national interest in these areas by showcasing their potential for growth and renewal. The photographs became a visual narrative, emphasizing the beauty of regeneration and inviting more people to visit and engage with these communities.
Beyond photography, we also conducted interviews with the applicants—young entrepreneurs and business owners who had established local businesses such as hostels, cafes, and small bazaars. These individuals were key contributors to the transformation of their communities. They shared personal stories about the challenges they encountered, their evolving relationships with local residents, and the success they achieved through their participation in the program. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand how the past can be reborn and how the present continues to evolve with each small but meaningful step toward a brighter future.
Photographer
Jun 2021 - Present
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