About Hakbong Kwon - Hakbong Kwon

Capturing the essence of human experience through the lens, bridging cultures between Korea and Thailand

Hakbong Kwon is a photographer from the quiet countryside of Sangju, Gyeongbuk, South Korea. After majoring in Visual Design at Dankook University in Seoul and beginning his career as a designer at Hanwha General Chemical (now Hyundai L&C), he quickly made his mark in photography. In 2014, he was awarded the Onbit Photography Award, and in 2018, he further demonstrated his talent by receiving additional recognition. His work WORSHIP gained international attention when it earned an Honorable Mention in the Fine Art, Abstract category at the prestigious International Photo Awards (IPA).

Since relocating to Lampang, Thailand, in 2017, Kwon has continued his work, drawing on local culture for inspiration. In 2019, he became the director of PhapthaySajin, a Korea-Thailand photography exchange project, where he promotes cultural exchange between the two countries through photography. His work often blends the boundaries of documentary and fine art, capturing diverse aspects of the human experience through a unique visual perspective.

Kwon is also an author, sharing in-depth insights on photography through several books on the subject, which are widely read by both amateurs and professionals alike. Additionally, his YouTube channel serves as an educational resource for photography enthusiasts of all levels, covering technical skills, artistic vision, and practical know-how. His teaching experience includes guest lectures at Youngnam College of Science and Technology and various other universities, where he imparts his knowledge and experience in photography.

Kwon’s works have been exhibited and published widely, recognized for their ability to capture the essence of life’s ordinary moments. Serving as a cultural bridge, his photography explores shared human experiences across diverse cultures, resonating with viewers and fostering understanding between Korea and Thailand.

Education and Work Experience

1996.03~2003.02 Bachelor of Visual Design, Dankook University (Hannam-dong, Seoul)
2003.07~2006.12 Graphic Designer, Hanwha Design Center (Seoul, Janggyo-dong)
2010~ Contributing Photographer, Alamy (UK)
2011~ Contributing Photographer, Getty Images (USA)
2015.05 Launched ‘Strobist Korea’, a photography community site
2018.06 Curator, EBS World Theme Travel ‘Golden Triangle, More Beautiful Than Gold’, Parts 1-4
2019.11 Instructor, UNESCO International Photography Education Program, ‘17th EIU Photo Class’, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2024.02 Guest Lecturer, “Understanding Photography,” Visual Imaging Design Dept., Yeungnam University College

Awards

2014.05 Nomad People, Solo Exhibition, Cafe Madagascar (Dream Factory + Hankyoreh Newspaper Contest), Seoul, Korea
2012 Snowden Photo Contest, Choice Award (Australia)
2014.11 Onbit Documentary, Selected for Onbit Award (Top 11)
2018.11 Onbit Award, Onbit Documentary, ‘Rohingya Refugee Camp, One Year Later’
2023.09 IPA Fine Art, Abstract Category, Honorable Mention, ‘WORSHIP’

Publications

2016.11 Photoshop Lightroom Photo Correction Lecture, Golden Owl Publishing, 602 pages, ISBN 9788960304727
2018.07 Kwon Hak-bong’s Professional Photography and Lighting Lecture, Volumes 1 and 2, Golden Owl Publishing, ISBN 9788960305069, 9788960305076
2019.04 The Story of Rohingya Refugees, Photo Report by Hakbong Kwon, Golden Owl Publishing, ISBN 9788960305236
2023.04 PHOTOBOOK HAKBONG KWON, Golden Owl Publishing, ISBN 9788960306141
2024.05 Hakbong Kwon’s Photoshop Lightroom Classic Photo Editing Lecture, Golden Owl Publishing, ISBN 9788960306295

Solo Exhibitions

2015.03 What it Means to Be a College Student in Korea, Art Space Knot, Ankuk, Seoul
2016.11 People on the Mountain, Solo Exhibition, Suwon International Photo Festival, Suwon Art Center
2016.12 People on the Mountain, Invitational Exhibition, Yeomi Gallery
2017.11 Nangpa, Looking Back at the Kingdom, Solo Exhibition, Suwon International Photo Festival, Suwon Bitgnoeul Gallery
2017.11 Colors of Thailand, Invitational Exhibition, Gallery Cho Wai, Bangkok, Thailand
2019.04 Story of Rohingya Refugees, Solo Exhibition, Gallery Gyeongbuk, Insa-dong, Seoul
2020.12 Denial Scenery, Solo Exhibition, Chiang Mai University Art Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2022.09 The Notion of Being in Present Time and Place, Degree Exhibition, Rungpum Art Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2023.04 About Human Nature, Solo Exhibition, Gallery Gyeongbuk, Insa-dong, Seoul

Group Exhibitions

2018.04 Cost of Life in Jharia, Three-person Exhibition, Rumpueng Community Art Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2019.12 PhapthaySajin, Participant & Director, THA-KOR Photo Exchange Exhibition, Korean Cultural Center, Bangkok, Thailand
2023.11 PhapthaySajin, Participant & Director, THA-KOR Photo Exchange Exhibition, Korean Cultural Center, Bangkok, Thailand