《Faces of Zomia – Photography Art Book Crowdfunding》

Documenting Vanishing Lives

This photography book is a record of my journey from 2010 to 2019 through the mountainous Zomia region of Southeast Asia.
During this time, I encountered minority groups living deep in the hills, preserving their unique traditions and lifestyles. I was deeply fascinated by the independence and dignity with which they live.

At first, I questioned why these communities chose to remain in the mountains instead of moving to the plains where modern conveniences are more accessible. But as I spent more time with them, I began to understand.
The resources they harvest from the mountains are highly valued in the lowlands, and their traditional ways of life serve as a vital pillar of their identity and pride.

What might seem like an “inconvenient” life to outsiders was, in fact, peaceful and self-sufficient. Their daily routine—embroidering by sunrise, hunting, and living in harmony—stood in stark contrast to our anxiety-driven lives of competition.
Though some left to work or study in cities, they always had a home to return to—a community where language and lifestyle are shared.
This was the Zomia way of life.

I began by entering these remote mountain villages, staying anywhere from 3 to 7 days at a time. At first, I was met with caution, but soon word spread, and I found myself invited to dinner tables and offered beers.
Though their life may seem meager to outsiders, what I sought to capture was their pride and dignity.

I focused on the culture and lifestyle they were proud to show me.
To me, portraying their lives beautifully and respectfully was the truest form of homage.
These images are not staged. They are visual records of daily life, captured with minimal interference—aside from lighting assistance, there was no artificial manipulation.

These photographs are more than a record. They are visual traces of lives that may soon vanish with time.
By bringing together previously published and unpublished works from the past decade, this book serves not just as a collection of images, but as a visual memory of an era.
I hope this will be a timeless publication that can carry its value to the next generation.

In a rapidly changing world, I wanted to preserve one slice of life that may disappear.
I hope this book will remind readers that many different ways of life exist—and that respecting them is a step toward broader understanding and coexistence.

Production Timeline & Process

This project will accept support until August 31, 2025.
Once the funding goal of 30 million KRW is reached, production will immediately begin.

The production process includes:
Design & Editing: Careful sequencing of images and text for optimal presentation
Printing & Binding: Premium paper and meticulous attention to quality
Packaging & Shipping: Secure packaging and delivery to all backers

The full cost of production (~30 million KRW) will go entirely into creating a top-quality photo book, not a commercial product.

Reward Tiers & Benefits

There are two options for participation:

₩100,000

• 1 signed copy of the art book
• Delivery to your address

₩180,000

• 1 signed copy of the art book
• 1 original fine-art photo print (select from images in the book)
• Delivery to your address

Bonus for all supporters:

• Your name will be printed in the acknowledgment section of the book.

※ International shipping or delivery to Jeju Island and other remote areas may incur additional fees.
※ For the ₩180,000 tier, you’ll receive an email after delivery to choose your preferred photo print.

Payment Method

• Bank transfer: Citibank / Account Name: Hakbong Kwon / Account No.: 884-04223-252-01

Crowdfunding Information – Trust & Transparency

This is a creative support project—not a retail purchase.
As such, it is not subject to e-commerce laws (e.g. consumer right to refund/cancellation) and may differ from regular product sales.

Crowdfunding Characteristics

• You are supporting a creator’s project, not buying a product
• Delays or changes may occur during production
• The final product may exceed expectations—or require adaptation
• Responsibility for completion lies with the creator

Thank you to everyone supporting this project. I will do my utmost to deliver the best possible result based on your trust.

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Project Policies

– Because production begins immediately after the deadline, refunds due to simple change of mind are not possible.
– If delivery is delayed by more than 15 days beyond the scheduled date, full refunds (including fees) will be issued upon request.
– Addresses will be collected on August 31, 2025. For address changes after this date, please contact the creator directly.
– Please enter your address carefully. Any issues from incorrect or late changes will not be the creator’s responsibility.
– Books will begin shipping on December 1, 2025 and all orders are expected to be fulfilled by December 31. Early delivery may be possible.
– Damaged or defective books may be exchanged within 3 days of receipt. Please report issues via the group chat used for supporter communications.
– The creator will cover all costs for damage or defect-related exchanges.
– If items are damaged due to misuse or significant wear, exchange or refund is not possible.
– The schedule may shift depending on production progress; all changes will be communicated.
– For all questions, please reach out via the group chat.

Contact for Inquiries
If you have any questions before supporting:
Email: hanabi7707@naver.com
KakaoTalk: hanabi7707