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Hakuda Photo Studio
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26'When will I get to be the main character in my own life?'
Burnt out by life in Seoul, Jebi has come to Jeju Island for a much-needed summer holiday. But on the last day of her trip, she loses everything: phone, credit cards, plane ticket. Looking for help, she stumbles across a tiny photography studio. Then and there, she makes a choice that will change her life forever.
Jebi accepts the offer of a job from the studio's frazzled owner, Seokyeong. The photos they take together capture the magic of the island and its people. From the young couple struggling with cold feet before their wedding, to the ex-cop haunted by secrets from his past, and the geologist who discovers a precious fossil on one of Jeju's pristine beaches, each has a story to tell.
By following her dreams, Jebi finds the family she never had.
Burnt out by life in Seoul, Jebi has come to Jeju Island for a much-needed summer holiday. But on the last day of her trip, she loses everything: phone, credit cards, plane ticket. Looking for help, she stumbles across a tiny photography studio. Then and there, she makes a choice that will change her life forever.
Jebi accepts the offer of a job from the studio's frazzled owner, Seokyeong. The photos they take together capture the magic of the island and its people. From the young couple struggling with cold feet before their wedding, to the ex-cop haunted by secrets from his past, and the geologist who discovers a precious fossil on one of Jeju's pristine beaches, each has a story to tell.
By following her dreams, Jebi finds the family she never had.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 8, 2026
55 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 11, 2025
Healing novels are really hit and miss for me. All of them are formulaic and rarely particularly inspiring, but the best ones can make me feel relaxed and immersed in slice of life storytelling. The best ones also make me invested in the specific hobby, small business idea or location they are based around. If I don't finish a healing novel inspired to sign up to a pottery class or visit an indie bookshop (or whatever the core concept might be), I consider that a failure in this type of novel.
Hakuda Photo Studio was a frustrating read, because Her Taeyeon really tried to shake up the stale formula and explore substantive themes through the various scenarios at hand, but the reading experience was not very inspiring. The protagonist is a Seoul girl disappointed with her creatively dead job at a baby photo studio in the big city, and she decides to extend her vacation in Jeju Island by taking up a a job at a recently opened studio there. Right off the bat, it is giving more Hometown Cha Cha Cha than Before the Coffee Gets Cold. The narrative tries very hard to be a romcom and to amuse the reader by the contrast between the protagonist's Seoul ways and the life of the Jeju. The insider/outsider dichotomy and the question of belonging is explored both playfully and in a more serious way through discussions of dialect, tourist spot strategic essentialism and Jeju customs. The book truly is a love letter to Jeju, as the author's affection for the island shines through. About halfway through, the book takes a more serious turn, exploring sombre issues of unwanted pregnancy, war and disability rights. The 'quirky customer' formula is at the core of the book, but in each story Her Taeyeon tries to do something slightly more interesting and different. In addition to the usual weddings and old friend reunions, we have stories centring war photography and child disability.
Despite all these positive things, I struggled to enjoy or be engaged by this book. I don't expect stellar prose from healing novels, but the writing style in this one was particularly dull and mushy. Despite appreciating what the author was doing with the individual narratives, I did not find any of them particularly engaging. Most importantly, I did not walk out of this book with a burning desire to learn photography, or even to visit my local photo studio. I was struggling to motivate myself to pick the book up and was relieved when it ended.
Hakuda Photo Studio was a frustrating read, because Her Taeyeon really tried to shake up the stale formula and explore substantive themes through the various scenarios at hand, but the reading experience was not very inspiring. The protagonist is a Seoul girl disappointed with her creatively dead job at a baby photo studio in the big city, and she decides to extend her vacation in Jeju Island by taking up a a job at a recently opened studio there. Right off the bat, it is giving more Hometown Cha Cha Cha than Before the Coffee Gets Cold. The narrative tries very hard to be a romcom and to amuse the reader by the contrast between the protagonist's Seoul ways and the life of the Jeju. The insider/outsider dichotomy and the question of belonging is explored both playfully and in a more serious way through discussions of dialect, tourist spot strategic essentialism and Jeju customs. The book truly is a love letter to Jeju, as the author's affection for the island shines through. About halfway through, the book takes a more serious turn, exploring sombre issues of unwanted pregnancy, war and disability rights. The 'quirky customer' formula is at the core of the book, but in each story Her Taeyeon tries to do something slightly more interesting and different. In addition to the usual weddings and old friend reunions, we have stories centring war photography and child disability.
Despite all these positive things, I struggled to enjoy or be engaged by this book. I don't expect stellar prose from healing novels, but the writing style in this one was particularly dull and mushy. Despite appreciating what the author was doing with the individual narratives, I did not find any of them particularly engaging. Most importantly, I did not walk out of this book with a burning desire to learn photography, or even to visit my local photo studio. I was struggling to motivate myself to pick the book up and was relieved when it ended.
November 13, 2025
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
Jebi, cansada de la ruidosa y abarrotada Seúl y de su aburrido trabajo en un estudio de fotografía, decide dejar su trabajo y pasar el verano en la preciosa isla de Jeju, pero el día en que debería volver a su vida real, pierde todas sus pertenencias, lo que la termina llevando hasta una pequeña tienda de fotografía, y se convierte en su segunda oportunidad en la vida, que la llevará a toparse con distintas personas, como un anciano expolicía, buceadoras locales, familias..., que le harán cambiar su modo de pensar y de ver la realidad.
Ay, pues me ha parecido una historia encantadora, y eso que en ocasiones este tipo de novelas asiáticas me cuestan un poquito porque a veces carecen de un desenlace como tal, pero en esta ocasión me ha parecido la mar de redonda.
Jebi, cansada de la ruidosa y abarrotada Seúl y de su aburrido trabajo en un estudio de fotografía, decide dejar su trabajo y pasar el verano en la preciosa isla de Jeju, pero el día en que debería volver a su vida real, pierde todas sus pertenencias, lo que la termina llevando hasta una pequeña tienda de fotografía, y se convierte en su segunda oportunidad en la vida, que la llevará a toparse con distintas personas, como un anciano expolicía, buceadoras locales, familias..., que le harán cambiar su modo de pensar y de ver la realidad.
Ay, pues me ha parecido una historia encantadora, y eso que en ocasiones este tipo de novelas asiáticas me cuestan un poquito porque a veces carecen de un desenlace como tal, pero en esta ocasión me ha parecido la mar de redonda.
November 7, 2025
Pues ha sido monísimo. No se ha desarrollado para nada como esperaba, aunque sí comparte con otros libros coreanos que he leído el hecho de que aparezcan un porrón de personajes secundarios y dejen su impronta en los protagonistas, y ha sido precioso, en esta ocasión siento que todo ha resultado mucho más redondo y conmovedor.
August 26, 2025
I’d give this 3.8 stars but I round up to 4.
While I love stories set in Jeju and I really loved the setting - especially the café / photostudio / restaurant, I did not enjoy the story of our main protagonist Jebi. She repeats herself quite often. Also some stories didn’t connect very smoothly. But this is still a very good, cozy summer read :)
While I love stories set in Jeju and I really loved the setting - especially the café / photostudio / restaurant, I did not enjoy the story of our main protagonist Jebi. She repeats herself quite often. Also some stories didn’t connect very smoothly. But this is still a very good, cozy summer read :)
December 31, 2025
'Hakuda Photo Studio? I was hoping for a cafe . . .'
Jebi had huffed and puffed her way up the hill to the building. Panting, she wiped the sweat off her forehead and looked around. Two palm trees stood tall in the garden. Climbing the stone wall were sky-blue hydran-geas in full bloom. In the distance, she could see the brilliant blue sea. Jebi tugged at her sweaty shirt and fanned herself. Cautiously, she walked through the gate. Through the window, the interior looked like a typical cafe. A clock on the wall pointed to half past two.
언덕에 올라 제비는 숨을 헐떡거렸다. 허리를 굽히고 이마의 땀을 닦으며 돌담에 싸인 건물을 기웃거렸다. 마당에는 두 그루의 야자나무가 있고, 하늘색 수국이 덩어리져 돌담 위로 흐드러졌다. 그 너머에 코발트빛 바다가 탁 트여 펼쳐졌다. 제비는 땀 젖은 셔츠를 손으로 들썩거렸다. 제주의 여름 햇살은 대단히 강렬해 젖은 옷이 금세 말랐다. 주춤거리며 제비는 출입구 쪽으로 다가섰다. 간판에는 〈하쿠다 사진관〉이라 적혀 있지만 창 안 풍경은 카페 같았다. 벽에 걸린 시계가 2시 반을 가리켰다.
If I set off soon I should still make my 4pm flight.
Hakuda Photo Studio (2025) is Shanna Tan's translation of 하쿠다 사진관 (2022) by 허태연 (Her Taeyeon)
It opens with the main character, Jebi (제비) coming to the end of a month-long holiday on the idllyic island of Jeju (where I am reading this book).
The cobalt-blue sea stretched out from the sandy beach and fluffy clouds hung high in the sky. Under the midday sun, the water sparkled. `I don't want to go home.' Jebi sighed, her mood as heavy as the back-pack pressing on her shoulders. All around her tourists were posing for photos in colourful beachwear. The air hummed with their happiness. Jebi thought back to when she'd first arrived at Jeju Island: she'd enjoyed herself just the same, then. Has it been a month already? It feels like yesterday.
Her phone is broken in an accident on a beach and seeking sanctuary as much as anything she journeys in land in search of a cafe, where she comes across 대왕물꾸럭마을 - Daewang Mulkkureok village - where a sign explains:
Mulkkureok is Jeju dialect for 'octopus'. Daewang Mulkkureok village - Giant Octopus village - boasts of the best catches of octopuses on the entire island. Since the Joseon dynasty, we've been famed for producing the best quality gifts, fit for a king. According to Gyuhap Cheongseo — the encyclopaedia de-tailing advice and knowledge for women — the egg of the giant octopus is a rare and precious medicine. The octopus is known to be a highly intelligent animal. According to fables passed down for generations, a giant octopus once saved a haenyeo — the female divers of the island — from drowning, while the gaps in the coastal sand dunes are believed to be tracks left behind by the giant octopus. Every year, the village observes a closed season when the hunting of octopuses is forbidden. To pray for a bountiful harvest during open season, a mulkkureok festival is held.
There what she thinks is a cafe is - see the opening quote - primarily a, not very successful, photo studio. Interrupting a 백일 photo shoot for a baby’s 100th day celebration, she saves the day by calming the baby, and she ends up deciding not to travel back to Seoul, where she has little to await her (and a trauma whose nature only becomes clear over time) and stays in the village as an assistant at the studio.
In many respects this is standard Korean healing fiction. But what elevates it significantly over most peers is the strong cultural angle, particularly the exploration of the Jeju landscape and culture. This is a novel where Instagram marketing strategies sit alongside a respectful exploration of shamanistic customs.
And the use of dialect (Jeju and others) plays a key role, ably rendered and glossed in translation, starting with the name of the photo studio and the novel’s title, from the Jeju-dialect version of 하다, 하쿠다:
‘There’s something I’ve been wondering. What does “Hakuda” mean? Is it a Japanese word?’‘Aha!’ Seokyeong smiled as he untied his apron. ‘It’s a Jeju Island word – from their dialect here. It means something like “I’ll do it”.’‘So . . . the “I’ll Do It” Photo Studio?’ Jebi frowned slightly. Seokyeong laughed. He stood upright and gave her a little bow. ‘I’ll do my best for any shoot. That’s what I hope the name tells people.’
Worth reading, and even more so worth visiting the beautiful Jeju.
Jebi had huffed and puffed her way up the hill to the building. Panting, she wiped the sweat off her forehead and looked around. Two palm trees stood tall in the garden. Climbing the stone wall were sky-blue hydran-geas in full bloom. In the distance, she could see the brilliant blue sea. Jebi tugged at her sweaty shirt and fanned herself. Cautiously, she walked through the gate. Through the window, the interior looked like a typical cafe. A clock on the wall pointed to half past two.
언덕에 올라 제비는 숨을 헐떡거렸다. 허리를 굽히고 이마의 땀을 닦으며 돌담에 싸인 건물을 기웃거렸다. 마당에는 두 그루의 야자나무가 있고, 하늘색 수국이 덩어리져 돌담 위로 흐드러졌다. 그 너머에 코발트빛 바다가 탁 트여 펼쳐졌다. 제비는 땀 젖은 셔츠를 손으로 들썩거렸다. 제주의 여름 햇살은 대단히 강렬해 젖은 옷이 금세 말랐다. 주춤거리며 제비는 출입구 쪽으로 다가섰다. 간판에는 〈하쿠다 사진관〉이라 적혀 있지만 창 안 풍경은 카페 같았다. 벽에 걸린 시계가 2시 반을 가리켰다.
If I set off soon I should still make my 4pm flight.
Hakuda Photo Studio (2025) is Shanna Tan's translation of 하쿠다 사진관 (2022) by 허태연 (Her Taeyeon)
It opens with the main character, Jebi (제비) coming to the end of a month-long holiday on the idllyic island of Jeju (where I am reading this book).
The cobalt-blue sea stretched out from the sandy beach and fluffy clouds hung high in the sky. Under the midday sun, the water sparkled. `I don't want to go home.' Jebi sighed, her mood as heavy as the back-pack pressing on her shoulders. All around her tourists were posing for photos in colourful beachwear. The air hummed with their happiness. Jebi thought back to when she'd first arrived at Jeju Island: she'd enjoyed herself just the same, then. Has it been a month already? It feels like yesterday.
Her phone is broken in an accident on a beach and seeking sanctuary as much as anything she journeys in land in search of a cafe, where she comes across 대왕물꾸럭마을 - Daewang Mulkkureok village - where a sign explains:
Mulkkureok is Jeju dialect for 'octopus'. Daewang Mulkkureok village - Giant Octopus village - boasts of the best catches of octopuses on the entire island. Since the Joseon dynasty, we've been famed for producing the best quality gifts, fit for a king. According to Gyuhap Cheongseo — the encyclopaedia de-tailing advice and knowledge for women — the egg of the giant octopus is a rare and precious medicine. The octopus is known to be a highly intelligent animal. According to fables passed down for generations, a giant octopus once saved a haenyeo — the female divers of the island — from drowning, while the gaps in the coastal sand dunes are believed to be tracks left behind by the giant octopus. Every year, the village observes a closed season when the hunting of octopuses is forbidden. To pray for a bountiful harvest during open season, a mulkkureok festival is held.
There what she thinks is a cafe is - see the opening quote - primarily a, not very successful, photo studio. Interrupting a 백일 photo shoot for a baby’s 100th day celebration, she saves the day by calming the baby, and she ends up deciding not to travel back to Seoul, where she has little to await her (and a trauma whose nature only becomes clear over time) and stays in the village as an assistant at the studio.
In many respects this is standard Korean healing fiction. But what elevates it significantly over most peers is the strong cultural angle, particularly the exploration of the Jeju landscape and culture. This is a novel where Instagram marketing strategies sit alongside a respectful exploration of shamanistic customs.
And the use of dialect (Jeju and others) plays a key role, ably rendered and glossed in translation, starting with the name of the photo studio and the novel’s title, from the Jeju-dialect version of 하다, 하쿠다:
‘There’s something I’ve been wondering. What does “Hakuda” mean? Is it a Japanese word?’‘Aha!’ Seokyeong smiled as he untied his apron. ‘It’s a Jeju Island word – from their dialect here. It means something like “I’ll do it”.’‘So . . . the “I’ll Do It” Photo Studio?’ Jebi frowned slightly. Seokyeong laughed. He stood upright and gave her a little bow. ‘I’ll do my best for any shoot. That’s what I hope the name tells people.’
Worth reading, and even more so worth visiting the beautiful Jeju.
February 1, 2024
ช่วงแรกพาง่วงหน่อย แต่ครึ่งหลังค่อนข้างดี
ย่อ: ตัวเอก “เชบี” ได้มาทำงานที่สตูดีโอแห่งหนึ่งในเกาะเชจู เธอได้ทำงานกับ “ซ็อกย็อง” ผู้เป็นเจ้าของ ทั้ง 2 ได้พบเจอกับลูกค้ามากมาย และเกิดเรื่องราวที่น่าประทับใจ ซึ่งส่วนใหญ่เกี่ยวข้องกับความสัมพันธ์ในครอบครัว รวมถึงการมีบทบาทสำคัญของเชบี ในประเพณีอันยิ่งใหญ่ ส่งหมึกยักษ์ลงทะเล ของเกาะเชจู ทั้งๆที่เป็นคนนอก
เนื้อหาใส่เรื่องราวเข้ามาเยอะ ละเอียดในจุดที่ไม่จำเป็น เช่น เรื่องวิชาการ ทฤษฎี ประเพณีต่างๆ แต่ไม่ลงดีเทลในสิ่งที่น่าสนใจกว่า เช่น ปมและอดีตของตัวละครแบบเจาะลึกในแบบที่ผู้อ่านอยากรู้ บางตอนมีตัวละครบางตัวปรากฎขึ้นอย่างไม่มีปี่มีขลุ่ย แล้วก็หายไปซะงั้น
แต่ก็ยังอ่านสนุก ในแบบที่ต้องใช้สมาธิมากขึ้นกว่าปกตินิดนึงค่ะ เพราะเล่มก็ค่อนข้างหนาด้วย
ใครสนใจเรื่องราวของเชจู หรือความท้องทะเล น่าจะชอบ
โดยเฉพาะซีนของเรื่อง ที่เป็นสตูดิโอถ่ายภาพ ที่ยังไม่ค่อยเจอในหนังสือเล่มไหน ทำให้น่าติดตามพอสมควร ส่วนตัวชอบเนื้อเรื่องที่ตัวเอกทั้ง 2 พยายามปรับบริการจากถ่ายรูปอย่างเดียว มามีบริการอื่นๆที่น่าประดับใจเพิ่มขึ้น และชอบตอนจบค่ะ
ย่อ: ตัวเอก “เชบี” ได้มาทำงานที่สตูดีโอแห่งหนึ่งในเกาะเชจู เธอได้ทำงานกับ “ซ็อกย็อง” ผู้เป็นเจ้าของ ทั้ง 2 ได้พบเจอกับลูกค้ามากมาย และเกิดเรื่องราวที่น่าประทับใจ ซึ่งส่วนใหญ่เกี่ยวข้องกับความสัมพันธ์ในครอบครัว รวมถึงการมีบทบาทสำคัญของเชบี ในประเพณีอันยิ่งใหญ่ ส่งหมึกยักษ์ลงทะเล ของเกาะเชจู ทั้งๆที่เป็นคนนอก
เนื้อหาใส่เรื่องราวเข้ามาเยอะ ละเอียดในจุดที่ไม่จำเป็น เช่น เรื่องวิชาการ ทฤษฎี ประเพณีต่างๆ แต่ไม่ลงดีเทลในสิ่งที่น่าสนใจกว่า เช่น ปมและอดีตของตัวละครแบบเจาะลึกในแบบที่ผู้อ่านอยากรู้ บางตอนมีตัวละครบางตัวปรากฎขึ้นอย่างไม่มีปี่มีขลุ่ย แล้วก็หายไปซะงั้น
แต่ก็ยังอ่านสนุก ในแบบที่ต้องใช้สมาธิมากขึ้นกว่าปกตินิดนึงค่ะ เพราะเล่มก็ค่อนข้างหนาด้วย
ใครสนใจเรื่องราวของเชจู หรือความท้องทะเล น่าจะชอบ
โดยเฉพาะซีนของเรื่อง ที่เป็นสตูดิโอถ่ายภาพ ที่ยังไม่ค่อยเจอในหนังสือเล่มไหน ทำให้น่าติดตามพอสมควร ส่วนตัวชอบเนื้อเรื่องที่ตัวเอกทั้ง 2 พยายามปรับบริการจากถ่ายรูปอย่างเดียว มามีบริการอื่นๆที่น่าประดับใจเพิ่มขึ้น และชอบตอนจบค่ะ
April 4, 2024
เป็นเล่มที่เราชอบมาก ได้ vibe ที่อบอุ่น
อ่านไปนึกภาพถึงเกาะเชจูในซีรี่ส์เลย
อ่านไปนึกภาพถึงเกาะเชจูในซีรี่ส์เลย
October 18, 2025
Listen to my review on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/hsHLE34nrwA?si=jOVpx...
September 22, 2025
I discovered this book through my Spotify audiobook recommendations. I hadn't heard of this book before then, but I really liked the cover and thought the synopsis was interesting. I decided to listen to at least a chapter and I ended up really enjoying it, so I finished listening to the entire novel. I love how the author made all of the characters - even the ones just visiting Jeju - seem like family. I would've loved to have an actual copy of this book so that I could highlight and reread some of the great advice in it. This is a great book for people who want to read something comforting with summer vibes and not too much drama/conflict.
June 12, 2025
This is a cute and cosy story that is a love letter to the Korean island of Jeju. Jebi is a 20-something young woman who, while having a summer holiday, gets a call from the friend she was supposed to be moving in with as soon as she gets home to Seoul telling her that actually her boyfriend will be moving in instead. At a bit of a loss, insult is added to injury when she and her backpack are knocked into the sea. She is fine but her phone is drowned, along with her access to her bank account and plane ticket! Looking for a phone shop Jebi finds instead the Hakuda Photo Studio and Cafe, run by the enthusiastic but not very business minded photographer Seokyeong. With nothing to return to Seoul for Jebi finds herself working and settling into life on Jeju Island.
The story itself is cute but also has times of feeling episodic, with some chapters dropping random information on the reader out of the blue and then hardly touching on that information again. There was often very little emotional or tension build up in the storytelling . I cannot tell if this was a translational error, or the authors style, or simply a style of writing that might be popular in Korea. Or even if the author simply spends too much time watching K-dramas or Days of Our Lives.
I cannot tell if the issues I have with this book is due to:
A) Translational issues -several times I noted words that just didn't quite work or were wrong like calling scallop roe written as scallop hoe for the first half of the book (I was reading a proof so these issues might be fixed for publication). The writing also didn't feel dynamic, with a distinct lack of emotional tension of expression, or conversely, sometimes there seemed to be soap-opera-esque expressions that were out of proportion.
B) Cultural assumptions by the author and / or translator that I, as a non Korean person, just didn't know - it would be handy to have a little Korean word guide at the start of the book, as multiple times I had to stop reading to google cultural references or standardised nick-names. Some could be somewhat assumed from context but other times the phrasing meant the reference wasn't obvious (to me, who is very unfamiliar with Korean culture).
C) The random info dumps that made each chapter feel episodic . It really did feel like the author was writing this book with the idea it would be turned into a TV series. I don't know, maybe it has been a must watch in Korea?
The story itself is cute but also has times of feeling episodic, with some chapters dropping random information on the reader out of the blue and then hardly touching on that information again. There was often very little emotional or tension build up in the storytelling . I cannot tell if this was a translational error, or the authors style, or simply a style of writing that might be popular in Korea. Or even if the author simply spends too much time watching K-dramas or Days of Our Lives.
I cannot tell if the issues I have with this book is due to:
A) Translational issues -several times I noted words that just didn't quite work or were wrong like calling scallop roe written as scallop hoe for the first half of the book (I was reading a proof so these issues might be fixed for publication). The writing also didn't feel dynamic, with a distinct lack of emotional tension of expression, or conversely, sometimes there seemed to be soap-opera-esque expressions that were out of proportion.
B) Cultural assumptions by the author and / or translator that I, as a non Korean person, just didn't know - it would be handy to have a little Korean word guide at the start of the book, as multiple times I had to stop reading to google cultural references or standardised nick-names. Some could be somewhat assumed from context but other times the phrasing meant the reference wasn't obvious (to me, who is very unfamiliar with Korean culture).
C) The random info dumps that made each chapter feel episodic . It really did feel like the author was writing this book with the idea it would be turned into a TV series. I don't know, maybe it has been a must watch in Korea?
September 22, 2025
This story is told through the lens of the female lead, Yeon Jebi, a 25-year-old backpacker in Jeju Island. An unfortunate incident at the beach and a colleague who let her down, left Jebi with no money, no job and no place to live. She also had a lot of emotional baggages.
While looking for directions to go to airport so she could board her flight back to Seoul, Jebi chanced upon the male lead of the novel, Lee Seokyeong, a 34-year-old handsome photographer and his photo studio (which is the namesake of this novel). Seokyeong was kind and talented in photography but he was terrible at managing business. Jebi, on the other hand, had more logical and business sense and she helped him to market his talents and thus expanded his photography business.
Jebi, while having qualifications in early childhood education, did not really pursue a career in this field. Instead she went into a job as photo studio assistant which paid peanuts and not improving her depression a bit while in Seoul. Because Jebi, while in university, had met a wrong man who got her pregnant and abandoned her, leaving her to give birth to her daughter alone and struggling to work and care for the daughter. Jebi had no family other than her cold mean grandmother, who totally ignored her and refused to care for the baby. In the end, Jebi had to give her baby daughter up for adoption after 6 months and she never really recovered from that loss and guilt. So when Jebi met Seokyeong, she found him to be warm, patient and caring and initially did have a crush on him.
Lee Seokyeong, on the other hand, was from Jeju Island during his earlier childhood years but left to go to Seoul. After getting his photography professional qualifications and accolades, he came back to Jeju Island to set up his photography business, get married and set up his family. Seokyeong suffered a childhood tragedy where his younger sister drowned during his charge and his father, unable to handle his daughter's loss, died soon after. Although his mother lived on for many more years, she did not really forgive him for his death. His mother often lamented that she did not take much photos of her children which was the main reason he took up photography. He wanted to give people chances to retain memories through photography.
Seokyeong's reaction to his sister's death (not entirely his fault) formed the basis of his love and care for Jebi. Jebi shared his late sister's name and she was born about the same time as his sister's death and he always had the feeling that Jebi was the second chance given to him to redeem his guilt. Throughout the story implicitly, we readers will come to realise that Seokyeong had always treated Jebi as his younger sister and capable assistant.
Seokyeong's reaction to his father's death was that he would strive to be a better father to his son than his father. And into this story, we would learn that Seokyeong's one true love was a Jeju native who was also a divorcee, Go Yanghee. Yanghee had a 7-year-old son, Dongwon, from her 1st marriage. Jeju Island, in specifically, Giant Octopus Village (a fictional village where the story was being narrated) had a custom where for any outsider to become truly accepted by the place, was to marry one of their people - to become a koendang (becoming bonded to the village). Yanghee, being divorced and the only young woman (rather close in age to Soekyeong), was the best choice for Seokyeong to become a koendang to the place.
While Seokyeong fell hard for Yanghee at first sight (she was really pretty and intelligent), Yanghee, due to being deeply hurt and betrayed by her first marriage, could not bring herself to believe that Seokyeong's love for her was true and sincere. She always believed that he was only wanting to marry her to become koendang, to become part of them. Even Seokyeong's love, care and being a father figure to her son, Dongwon, did not convince her. Yanghee, due to fighting for the survival of herself and her son, had become cynical towards life. You can see that for most part of the story, Yanghee kept Seokyeong at bay. But Seokyeong, in terms of his love for Yanghee, stayed steady and working towards to winning her trust. Even Jebi joined in to try to convince Yanghee of Seokyeong's love. Jebi had eventually realised that the care that Seokyeong shown her was that of an older brother and employer. (Seokyeong was very careful to keep it this way while he went all out to win Yanghee over).
So did Seokyeong win Yanghee over in the end? Yes, he did manage to make a dent to her hardened heart - at least we have the idea he will finally able to start dating her.
This story also deals with the stories of other people:
1. A group of ladies in their 50s having a getaway of their life in Jeju Island, reliving their school days fun. Seokyeong and Jebi provided the platform through their photography and other anciliary services (Jebi's brainchild).
2. A couple and their 100-day-old baby taking baby portraits
3. A couple taking their marriage photos, reaffirmed their love and commitment to each other and to the reason that they are getting married, in the process of taking those photos
4. A retired detective, facing up to his guilt of keeping an innocent girl's death under cover for many years through Seokyeong's help in developing an old photo. This incident also helped Seokyeong to face up to his childhood tragedy.
5. A geologist's help to take photos of the landscapes and land composites in that village, leading to Seokyeong meeting his idol, who became his father figure.
6. A young family with a daughter who had anophthalmia ie born without eyes. Interactions with this family had let Yanghee slowly warming up to Seokyeong and Seokyeong to realise that there were a lot of things he was still lacking to become a good father to Dongwon.
Overall, this runaway novel in South Korea is really worth the read. Hope this summary does not spoil too much.
While looking for directions to go to airport so she could board her flight back to Seoul, Jebi chanced upon the male lead of the novel, Lee Seokyeong, a 34-year-old handsome photographer and his photo studio (which is the namesake of this novel). Seokyeong was kind and talented in photography but he was terrible at managing business. Jebi, on the other hand, had more logical and business sense and she helped him to market his talents and thus expanded his photography business.
Jebi, while having qualifications in early childhood education, did not really pursue a career in this field. Instead she went into a job as photo studio assistant which paid peanuts and not improving her depression a bit while in Seoul. Because Jebi, while in university, had met a wrong man who got her pregnant and abandoned her, leaving her to give birth to her daughter alone and struggling to work and care for the daughter. Jebi had no family other than her cold mean grandmother, who totally ignored her and refused to care for the baby. In the end, Jebi had to give her baby daughter up for adoption after 6 months and she never really recovered from that loss and guilt. So when Jebi met Seokyeong, she found him to be warm, patient and caring and initially did have a crush on him.
Lee Seokyeong, on the other hand, was from Jeju Island during his earlier childhood years but left to go to Seoul. After getting his photography professional qualifications and accolades, he came back to Jeju Island to set up his photography business, get married and set up his family. Seokyeong suffered a childhood tragedy where his younger sister drowned during his charge and his father, unable to handle his daughter's loss, died soon after. Although his mother lived on for many more years, she did not really forgive him for his death. His mother often lamented that she did not take much photos of her children which was the main reason he took up photography. He wanted to give people chances to retain memories through photography.
Seokyeong's reaction to his sister's death (not entirely his fault) formed the basis of his love and care for Jebi. Jebi shared his late sister's name and she was born about the same time as his sister's death and he always had the feeling that Jebi was the second chance given to him to redeem his guilt. Throughout the story implicitly, we readers will come to realise that Seokyeong had always treated Jebi as his younger sister and capable assistant.
Seokyeong's reaction to his father's death was that he would strive to be a better father to his son than his father. And into this story, we would learn that Seokyeong's one true love was a Jeju native who was also a divorcee, Go Yanghee. Yanghee had a 7-year-old son, Dongwon, from her 1st marriage. Jeju Island, in specifically, Giant Octopus Village (a fictional village where the story was being narrated) had a custom where for any outsider to become truly accepted by the place, was to marry one of their people - to become a koendang (becoming bonded to the village). Yanghee, being divorced and the only young woman (rather close in age to Soekyeong), was the best choice for Seokyeong to become a koendang to the place.
While Seokyeong fell hard for Yanghee at first sight (she was really pretty and intelligent), Yanghee, due to being deeply hurt and betrayed by her first marriage, could not bring herself to believe that Seokyeong's love for her was true and sincere. She always believed that he was only wanting to marry her to become koendang, to become part of them. Even Seokyeong's love, care and being a father figure to her son, Dongwon, did not convince her. Yanghee, due to fighting for the survival of herself and her son, had become cynical towards life. You can see that for most part of the story, Yanghee kept Seokyeong at bay. But Seokyeong, in terms of his love for Yanghee, stayed steady and working towards to winning her trust. Even Jebi joined in to try to convince Yanghee of Seokyeong's love. Jebi had eventually realised that the care that Seokyeong shown her was that of an older brother and employer. (Seokyeong was very careful to keep it this way while he went all out to win Yanghee over).
So did Seokyeong win Yanghee over in the end? Yes, he did manage to make a dent to her hardened heart - at least we have the idea he will finally able to start dating her.
This story also deals with the stories of other people:
1. A group of ladies in their 50s having a getaway of their life in Jeju Island, reliving their school days fun. Seokyeong and Jebi provided the platform through their photography and other anciliary services (Jebi's brainchild).
2. A couple and their 100-day-old baby taking baby portraits
3. A couple taking their marriage photos, reaffirmed their love and commitment to each other and to the reason that they are getting married, in the process of taking those photos
4. A retired detective, facing up to his guilt of keeping an innocent girl's death under cover for many years through Seokyeong's help in developing an old photo. This incident also helped Seokyeong to face up to his childhood tragedy.
5. A geologist's help to take photos of the landscapes and land composites in that village, leading to Seokyeong meeting his idol, who became his father figure.
6. A young family with a daughter who had anophthalmia ie born without eyes. Interactions with this family had let Yanghee slowly warming up to Seokyeong and Seokyeong to realise that there were a lot of things he was still lacking to become a good father to Dongwon.
Overall, this runaway novel in South Korea is really worth the read. Hope this summary does not spoil too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
Even though it’s autumn, the book I have for you today is perfect for summer. You will get such a strong desire to visit a coastal town after reading this one, that you might just book something right away. The book is #HakudaPhotoStudio written by Her Taeyeon, translated by Shanna Tan
#readingowlreviews
I adored this one. It’s like reading a K-Drama. The story is set on Jeju Island so it’s very reminiscent of shows like “Welcome to Samdal-Ri” and “When Life Gives You Tangerines”. It gives you a glimpse into the lives, culture, and traditions of the area. Through Jebi’s experience here, we slowly become a part of this place and hope to be accepted like Jebi is.
Haenyos are a big part of Jeju’s life and they are given their due in this story. Their challenges, traditions, and prayers are very sensitively depicted. People’s trust and beliefs in the giant octopus, in fact the whole festival was an endearing experience.
As for the photo studio itself, I loved the people who came here and their life stories. Their lives match ours in some way or the other. Jebi found comfort and acceptance for her own situation through them and I through Jebi.
It’s not your regular healing fiction. It doesn't have a lot of wisdom nuggets to take away from it. But it’s an endearing story of finding one’s place in life and a family among strangers. Highly recommended.
#readingowlreviews
I adored this one. It’s like reading a K-Drama. The story is set on Jeju Island so it’s very reminiscent of shows like “Welcome to Samdal-Ri” and “When Life Gives You Tangerines”. It gives you a glimpse into the lives, culture, and traditions of the area. Through Jebi’s experience here, we slowly become a part of this place and hope to be accepted like Jebi is.
Haenyos are a big part of Jeju’s life and they are given their due in this story. Their challenges, traditions, and prayers are very sensitively depicted. People’s trust and beliefs in the giant octopus, in fact the whole festival was an endearing experience.
As for the photo studio itself, I loved the people who came here and their life stories. Their lives match ours in some way or the other. Jebi found comfort and acceptance for her own situation through them and I through Jebi.
It’s not your regular healing fiction. It doesn't have a lot of wisdom nuggets to take away from it. But it’s an endearing story of finding one’s place in life and a family among strangers. Highly recommended.
October 31, 2025
Hakuda Photo Studio by Her Tae Yeon
Translated from Korean by Shanna Tan
Short Synopsis:
Jebi escapes burnout in Seoul with a holiday to Jeju Island but ends up missing her flight home. She begins working at Hakuda Photo Studio in a quiet village, photographing locals and visitors. Through these simple daily moments Jebi starts to heal and slowly rediscovers herself.
My Thoughts:
Hakuda Photo Studio was a beautiful and unexpected read. It may seem like a simple slice of life story but it carries subtle yet profound life lessons. The story does not focus on just one protagonist, but it highlights several characters with their own challenges which makes the community feel alive and authentic. In fact, it gives off a strong sense of kampung village spirit which I found both healing and nostalgic.
On top of that, the book also gave me a deeper appreciation of Jeju culture, which I found both interesting and insightful. The slightly darker undertones surprised me, but at the same time, they added emotional depth and made the warm moments even more impactful. It kind of reminded me of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Our Blues, but with its own quieter charm and emotional layers.
Overall, this was a comforting and insightful read that stayed with me long after I finished it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories about life community and quiet resilience.
Overall Rating:
⭐️ :5/5
Translated from Korean by Shanna Tan
Short Synopsis:
Jebi escapes burnout in Seoul with a holiday to Jeju Island but ends up missing her flight home. She begins working at Hakuda Photo Studio in a quiet village, photographing locals and visitors. Through these simple daily moments Jebi starts to heal and slowly rediscovers herself.
My Thoughts:
Hakuda Photo Studio was a beautiful and unexpected read. It may seem like a simple slice of life story but it carries subtle yet profound life lessons. The story does not focus on just one protagonist, but it highlights several characters with their own challenges which makes the community feel alive and authentic. In fact, it gives off a strong sense of kampung village spirit which I found both healing and nostalgic.
On top of that, the book also gave me a deeper appreciation of Jeju culture, which I found both interesting and insightful. The slightly darker undertones surprised me, but at the same time, they added emotional depth and made the warm moments even more impactful. It kind of reminded me of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Our Blues, but with its own quieter charm and emotional layers.
Overall, this was a comforting and insightful read that stayed with me long after I finished it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories about life community and quiet resilience.
Overall Rating:
⭐️ :5/5
October 3, 2025
Hakuda Photo Studio by Her Taeyeon started as a summer holiday in Jeju Island that ultimately led the main character, Jebi to rediscovering herself, a forever home and found family. This book is so cozy and so full of the imageries of this beautiful island that it felt so real and that I was there along with the characters.
It's been awhile since I last picked up a book I truly enjoyed. I love that this story don't just focus on the characters that come and go the photo studio but that the people working and living around there plays an important role to the story too. I was captivated by the stories and scenes that play out because they're different and very interesting to read. Let's just say that this book is none like any other.
Reading this book makes me want to book a flight to Jeju Island again because the way the author describes the place, the characters and some of their cultural beliefs makes it all the more interesting. It didn't just touch the place on the surface level but actually went really deep.
The reason why I deducted half a star is because I really thought the romance would play out as I imagined but it was nothing like I expected. That's on me, I suppose. But what's not on me are the visible errors I spotted throughout the book. Call it an occupational hazard but I simply couldn't look away.
All in all, I highly recommend you to read this book.
It's been awhile since I last picked up a book I truly enjoyed. I love that this story don't just focus on the characters that come and go the photo studio but that the people working and living around there plays an important role to the story too. I was captivated by the stories and scenes that play out because they're different and very interesting to read. Let's just say that this book is none like any other.
Reading this book makes me want to book a flight to Jeju Island again because the way the author describes the place, the characters and some of their cultural beliefs makes it all the more interesting. It didn't just touch the place on the surface level but actually went really deep.
The reason why I deducted half a star is because I really thought the romance would play out as I imagined but it was nothing like I expected. That's on me, I suppose. But what's not on me are the visible errors I spotted throughout the book. Call it an occupational hazard but I simply couldn't look away.
All in all, I highly recommend you to read this book.
October 22, 2025
An enjoyable and uplifting storyline in a beautiful mesmerising setting
December 11, 2025
¡Hola, bibliotecarias!
Hoy vengo con una historia que os va a transportar a un verano perfecto, apacible, con olor a mar y mandarinas.
La tienda de fotografía Hakuda, de la autora Her Taeyeon y publicada por @liraediciones es una preciosa historia cozy coreana.
Nuestra protagonista, Jebi, es una veinteañera que está cansada del ritmo rápido y ruidoso de Seul. Tiene un trabajo en un aburrido estudio fotográfico pero no siente que esté haciendo "nada" con su vida.
En el transporte público ve un anuncio de la hermosa isla de Jeju y decide coger vacaciones e irse un mes a aclararse las ideas.
Lejos de lo que esperaba, el mes pasa rápido y se encuentra con algunas dificultades en el camino. Entre ellas, que se le ha terminado el dinero y sigue sin saber qué hacer con su vida.
Sus pasos la llevan hasta un pueblo de pescadores donde conocerá a Seokyeong, un joven que tiene una tienda de fotografía y que busca personal.
Una historia lindísima donde Jebi irá aprendiendo sobre si misma y sobre la vida conforme vaya conociendo y pasando más tiempo con las gentes del lugar.
Hoy vengo con una historia que os va a transportar a un verano perfecto, apacible, con olor a mar y mandarinas.
La tienda de fotografía Hakuda, de la autora Her Taeyeon y publicada por @liraediciones es una preciosa historia cozy coreana.
Nuestra protagonista, Jebi, es una veinteañera que está cansada del ritmo rápido y ruidoso de Seul. Tiene un trabajo en un aburrido estudio fotográfico pero no siente que esté haciendo "nada" con su vida.
En el transporte público ve un anuncio de la hermosa isla de Jeju y decide coger vacaciones e irse un mes a aclararse las ideas.
Lejos de lo que esperaba, el mes pasa rápido y se encuentra con algunas dificultades en el camino. Entre ellas, que se le ha terminado el dinero y sigue sin saber qué hacer con su vida.
Sus pasos la llevan hasta un pueblo de pescadores donde conocerá a Seokyeong, un joven que tiene una tienda de fotografía y que busca personal.
Una historia lindísima donde Jebi irá aprendiendo sobre si misma y sobre la vida conforme vaya conociendo y pasando más tiempo con las gentes del lugar.
November 3, 2025
The "When will I get to be the main character in my own life" statement on the backcover is a quite wonderful and introspective statement that encapsulates the struggle of sinking into the form of a background character in life, amid the fear of failure and attempts to meet with our past traumas and societal expectations.
I quite liked how the story was presented and the overall character development, as well as the depictions of the Jeju setting, rural community, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Another warm and quite pleasant read in the Healing Fiction genre with neat insights and hope for better tomorrows lived in line with our values.
I quite liked how the story was presented and the overall character development, as well as the depictions of the Jeju setting, rural community, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Another warm and quite pleasant read in the Healing Fiction genre with neat insights and hope for better tomorrows lived in line with our values.
November 17, 2025
It was a nice book to take your mind off of things. Whenever I continued reading I came back to Jeju Island and felt like I could smell the salty sea breeze. The octopus festival side story was really entertaining and interesting and I also like each customer story, just wished the character development had a bit more depth and complexity. Was a good read!
October 12, 2025
4.5 stars, an enjoyable slice of life novel that reminded me of some K-dramas I’ve watched and liked. I’d be interested to pick up a copy of this one in the original Korean to see how certain emotions or phrases were interpreted. At times the female MC felt overly immature but in a throwaway kind of way, like maybe a couple of lines could have been edited out without losing the thread of the book.
One of the key plot lines about the female MC felt a little uneven, and since it hits somewhat close to home this wasn’t a 5.
One of the key plot lines about the female MC felt a little uneven, and since it hits somewhat close to home this wasn’t a 5.
November 6, 2025
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy!!
3.25 stars!
this was cute and healing as many have said before but for me I just wanted something a little different than what I have read before. but this is nothing against the book itself, just wasn't the right book at the right time
3.25 stars!
this was cute and healing as many have said before but for me I just wanted something a little different than what I have read before. but this is nothing against the book itself, just wasn't the right book at the right time
December 28, 2025
4.5⭐
Such a feel-good heartwarming story🫶
It gave me all the small town kdrama vibes which I loved🥹
I wanted to know more about why and since when Seokyeong started liking her. I hope Jebi finds much more happiness and I really enjoyed this book and the cosy feels it gave me🫠
Definitely highly recommend it🫶
Such a feel-good heartwarming story🫶
It gave me all the small town kdrama vibes which I loved🥹
I wanted to know more about why and since when Seokyeong started liking her. I hope Jebi finds much more happiness and I really enjoyed this book and the cosy feels it gave me🫠
Definitely highly recommend it🫶
November 7, 2025
A nice story about confidence and building a life, with some dark themes. Quite a lot of copy editing errors and typos, I wonder if the translation was rushed. 2.5 rounded up
January 3, 2026
a very lovely story about finding out who you are in an interesting setting of Jeju Island South Korea.
January 20, 2026
Great read and so many good life lessons that everyone is walking their own path.
September 29, 2025
Have you ever been on a summer holiday so good you wished it would never end?
That’s the feeling this book captures. Jebi, weary of noisy Seoul and her dull city job, impulsively quits and heads to Jeju Island. After an unfortunate event that made her miss her flight home, Jebi finds herself working in a seaside photo studio. Alongside her new boss, Seokyeong, Jebi spends her days photographing the lives of locals and visitors alike, preserving their memories through pictures while sharing comforting meals at Hakuda Photo Studio.
This story radiates the same cozy, heartwarming vibes that made me think of Hometown Cha Cha Cha. What I loved most was that it didn’t only focus on Jebi, but also on Seokyeong, the clients of the studio, and the locals of Jeju. It’s not written to be dramatic or forcefully inspirational, instead, it feels like people-watching on the pages. I could picture Jeju’s endless blue skies, hear the waves, and even feel the winter chill creeping in. The book also gave glimpses of Jeju’s culture and history, making it such an experience.
After finishing something very dark, this was the perfect balm: simple, soft, and comforting.
If you loved The Healing Season of Pottery or Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, this one belongs on your TBR.
That’s the feeling this book captures. Jebi, weary of noisy Seoul and her dull city job, impulsively quits and heads to Jeju Island. After an unfortunate event that made her miss her flight home, Jebi finds herself working in a seaside photo studio. Alongside her new boss, Seokyeong, Jebi spends her days photographing the lives of locals and visitors alike, preserving their memories through pictures while sharing comforting meals at Hakuda Photo Studio.
This story radiates the same cozy, heartwarming vibes that made me think of Hometown Cha Cha Cha. What I loved most was that it didn’t only focus on Jebi, but also on Seokyeong, the clients of the studio, and the locals of Jeju. It’s not written to be dramatic or forcefully inspirational, instead, it feels like people-watching on the pages. I could picture Jeju’s endless blue skies, hear the waves, and even feel the winter chill creeping in. The book also gave glimpses of Jeju’s culture and history, making it such an experience.
After finishing something very dark, this was the perfect balm: simple, soft, and comforting.
If you loved The Healing Season of Pottery or Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, this one belongs on your TBR.
January 6, 2026
Creo que va a ser uno de esos libros que no me voy a cansar de recomendar!!
December 17, 2025
A cosy read. I took awhile with this book but when I picked it up again, I felt that it resonated with my current frame of mind.
December 13, 2025
I finished Hakuda Photo Studio with very mixed feelings, and I think 3 stars fits it perfectly.
The story follows Jebi, who’s clearly burnt out from her Seoul life and somehow ends up stranded on Jeju Island, where she starts working at this small, quiet photo studio. Right away, the vibes are very calm, slow, and reflective 🌿📸 If you like healing novels, slice-of-life moments, and stories that feel like a warm (but slightly lukewarm) cup of tea, this book definitely has that energy.
What I liked most was the idea behind the book. Each customer who comes into Hakuda Photo Studio has their own story, and through photographing them, Jebi slowly learns about life, regrets, love, and starting over. Some of these moments were genuinely touching, and I could see what the author was trying to do show how ordinary people carry so much unseen emotion ✨
However… the pacing was very slow 😭 Like really slow. I kept waiting for something bigger to happen, or for Jebi to have a stronger emotional breakthrough, but it stayed pretty quiet the whole way through. While that might work for some readers, for me it dragged at times, and I found myself zoning out during certain chapters.
I also didn’t fully connect with Jebi as much as I wanted to. Her journey made sense, but emotionally it didn’t hit as hard as it could’ve. Some characters came and went so quickly that I wished they were explored more, because their stories had potential but felt a bit unfinished.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book at all. It’s gentle, comforting, and thoughtful ,just not very memorable for me. I think if you’re in the right mood (tired, reflective, wanting something quiet), you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did. For me, it was nice, but not a book I’ll be thinking about long after finishing.
Still glad I read it though 📖🫶
Just… not a fave, I actually forced myself to read finish this book because I hate leaving a book unread yk .
(Btw if yall wondering why I posted 2 reviews in a day bcuz I actually read this prob 1 month ago and I just started wanna write reviews on books I read !🩷)
The story follows Jebi, who’s clearly burnt out from her Seoul life and somehow ends up stranded on Jeju Island, where she starts working at this small, quiet photo studio. Right away, the vibes are very calm, slow, and reflective 🌿📸 If you like healing novels, slice-of-life moments, and stories that feel like a warm (but slightly lukewarm) cup of tea, this book definitely has that energy.
What I liked most was the idea behind the book. Each customer who comes into Hakuda Photo Studio has their own story, and through photographing them, Jebi slowly learns about life, regrets, love, and starting over. Some of these moments were genuinely touching, and I could see what the author was trying to do show how ordinary people carry so much unseen emotion ✨
However… the pacing was very slow 😭 Like really slow. I kept waiting for something bigger to happen, or for Jebi to have a stronger emotional breakthrough, but it stayed pretty quiet the whole way through. While that might work for some readers, for me it dragged at times, and I found myself zoning out during certain chapters.
I also didn’t fully connect with Jebi as much as I wanted to. Her journey made sense, but emotionally it didn’t hit as hard as it could’ve. Some characters came and went so quickly that I wished they were explored more, because their stories had potential but felt a bit unfinished.
Overall, this isn’t a bad book at all. It’s gentle, comforting, and thoughtful ,just not very memorable for me. I think if you’re in the right mood (tired, reflective, wanting something quiet), you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did. For me, it was nice, but not a book I’ll be thinking about long after finishing.
Still glad I read it though 📖🫶
Just… not a fave, I actually forced myself to read finish this book because I hate leaving a book unread yk .
(Btw if yall wondering why I posted 2 reviews in a day bcuz I actually read this prob 1 month ago and I just started wanna write reviews on books I read !🩷)
December 18, 2025
This was my first physical book this year. I just went to a book store and picked it up because of the pretty cover.
I didn’t think it was romance but after the fmc described the mmc as handsome multiple times I was sort of expecting a romantic subplot. But not only do they not end up together but it ends with him still chasing this mean character that I don’t like at all.
That’s my main complaint.
There’s also a lot of little grammar mistakes in the English translation that just take you out of the story which is unfortunate. But I really wanted to like this book nonetheless.
A lot of the dialogue felt weird to me but I don’t want to blame the writing right away, it might just be a culture thing. Ig I’ll have to read more Korean fiction to figure that out.
But yeah the fact that not only did she not get the guy but also this mean woman got him just really bummed me out. Like their relationship was not developed at all. There wasn’t one scene were she was nice to him and yeah it still seems like he only wants her to be a part of the village.
I really enjoyed most of the book and I’ll definitely read whatever Taeyeon comes up next but yeah that last part just left a really icky feeling in my mouth :(
I didn’t think it was romance but after the fmc described the mmc as handsome multiple times I was sort of expecting a romantic subplot. But not only do they not end up together but it ends with him still chasing this mean character that I don’t like at all.
That’s my main complaint.
There’s also a lot of little grammar mistakes in the English translation that just take you out of the story which is unfortunate. But I really wanted to like this book nonetheless.
A lot of the dialogue felt weird to me but I don’t want to blame the writing right away, it might just be a culture thing. Ig I’ll have to read more Korean fiction to figure that out.
But yeah the fact that not only did she not get the guy but also this mean woman got him just really bummed me out. Like their relationship was not developed at all. There wasn’t one scene were she was nice to him and yeah it still seems like he only wants her to be a part of the village.
I really enjoyed most of the book and I’ll definitely read whatever Taeyeon comes up next but yeah that last part just left a really icky feeling in my mouth :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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