"How to Draw a Line" explores the border towns directly south of the DMZ. As a biracial Korean-American and as someone who has lived in one of these towns in the past, I felt a personal connection to this space caught between two worlds — where military camps, secluded villages, and tourist attractions all coexist while separating the North and South still officially at war.
My memories guided and motivated me to revisit the area. During the Fall of 2019, I trekked multiple times between the northeast and northwest coasts of South Korea. While the routes can be drawn as literal lines on a map, the images draw a conceptual "photographic line" that traces the overall journey. Throughout these travels, I witnessed a liminal existence: subdued yet expressive, in spaces simultaneously active and still. The camera captures the subtle surreality of these isolated areas, offering an unexpected yet often overlooked view into Korean life.
My memories guided and motivated me to revisit the area. During the Fall of 2019, I trekked multiple times between the northeast and northwest coasts of South Korea. While the routes can be drawn as literal lines on a map, the images draw a conceptual "photographic line" that traces the overall journey. Throughout these travels, I witnessed a liminal existence: subdued yet expressive, in spaces simultaneously active and still. The camera captures the subtle surreality of these isolated areas, offering an unexpected yet often overlooked view into Korean life.
Photo Stand-In at Yeonpyeong Island in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, SK
Food Stall in Sintan-ri, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, SK
Apartment Complexes in Wontong-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Child sleeping in Yanggu-eup, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Dongmak-ri Community Center in Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Photobooth in Sanyang-ri, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Police at Daegwang-ri Railway Station in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, SK
Bumper Car at Goseokjeong Land, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Video Game Arcade at Yanggu-eup in Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Public Bus Leaving Sintan-ri, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, SK
Shaman Cloth Tied to a Tree, Yeonpyeong Island, Ongjin-gun, Incheon, SK
Custodian at Yanggu Bus Terminal in Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Poodle on a Daybed in Wontong-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Park Benches at Goseokjeong Land, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Man Waiting at Sintan-ri Railway Station, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, SK
Honorary Guard Sign at Imjingak-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, SK
Sun Above the Taebaek Mountain Range, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, SK
Public Soccer Field at Yeonpyeong Island, Ongjin-gun, Incheon, SK
Sampo Beach at Night in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, SK