In 2016, JaeKwang Hyun (Jay) left everything behind in Korea to travel the world for 13-months long. What started as a personal challenge soon became his life's passion: capturing stories through photography and giving travelers memories that last forever.
It started with a one way ticket to XXXX. He never knew what was going to happen next, but he was sure of one thing, he would see with his own eyes the places he had only known from TV, and to capture them through his lens.
Photo: Jay wrapped himself in the Korean flag overlooking the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu
Time went by, Jay traveled across many countries, met countless people, and captured every destination through his camera.
From the rushing glacial rivers of Nepal to the timeless streets of Prague, Jay's camera followed him through some of the world's most unforgettable places. He wandered along the colorful cliffside homes of Cinque Terre in Italy, where the sea sparkled like a postcard come to life, and stood in awe before the Colosseum in Rome, watching the afternoon sun slip through its ancient arches.
Each destination wasn't just a stop on a mapβit was a moment frozen in time, blending history, culture, and natural beauty into a journey that shaped his story as a world traveler.
Every destination, whether ordinary or extraordinary, gave him a chance to connect with others and create memories together.
"During long trips, some destinations are ordinary, others extraordinary. I simply felt grateful for the travel connections I made along the way, capturing their travels and daily lives as gifts."
Through these experiences, he discovered something deeper β photography was not just about taking pictures. For him, it became a way to give travelers the gift of special moments that would last forever.
Every destination held meaning. The real gift was the human connection and shared memories. This realization brought him immense joy, and it led him to start his own travel photography service in Korea.
π°π· Returning to Korea
Back in Korea β 2017, Jay began offering travel photography services, blending his global experience with his love for storytelling through images.
And the timing couldn't have been better. With the Korean Wave capturing hearts worldwide, more and more travelers are visiting Korea β not just to see K-pop and K-dramas come to life, but to walk through history, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and wear the timeless beauty of hanbok.
His lens turns these historic backdrops into scenes straight out of a fairytale. Beyond that, he captures families, couples, and solo adventurers, ensuring that every photo tells a story worth keeping.
He guides clients on how to pose naturally, chooses the best lighting hours, and highlights the colors of their hanbok against the backdrop of history. "Every hanbok has a story, every palace has a story," he explains. "When you put them together, it feels like stepping into a fairytale."
For Jay, every click of the camera is more than an image. It's a memory sealed in time, a reminder of joy, discovery, and the beauty of travel. And for those who come to Korea, his photos aren't just souvenirs β they're treasures that carry the soul of the journey home.
π°π· Picture in Korea: Experience the Beauty of Korea Through Local Photographers
Inspired by his experiences and the countless stories he captured, Jay realized that the beauty of Korea should be shared through more than just his own lens.
That idea was leading to Picture in Korea in 2024 β by gathering a team of passionate photographers who share Jay's perspective and mission. All of them are Korean photographers, deeply familiar with the culture, traditions, and hidden gems. Built on the belief that every traveler deserves photos that capture both their beauty and the spirit of Korea.
Picture in Korea Photography Team
Their local knowledge allows them to frame scenes in ways that go beyond standard travel photos. Whether it's finding the perfect corner in a palace courtyard, choosing the right season's backdrop, or guiding visitors to pose naturally. With this expertise, they ensure every photo becomes not just a picture, but a memory filled with authenticity.
Together, Jay and his team go beyond photography. They design experience programs that let travelers immerse themselves in Korea β from wearing hanbok at palaces to exploring local markets, trying Korean street foods and many cultural activities. Through both images and experiences, their mission is clear: to give travelers a genuine connection to Korea that lasts far beyond the trip itself.
Through photos and unique experiences, Picture in Korea aims to give travelers more than just souvenirs, but also connection and the feeling of the moment. With the help of talented Korean photographers and local tour guides, travelers can take home memories that last a lifetime, that stay long after the trip is over.