Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jessiaka]

My boyfriend has recently taken an interest in film photography, so he went out and bought the camera, but has had no luck getting the necessary supplies. Specifically, he's looking for a developing tank and developer, stop bath and fixer solutions, so he can develop any film in our bathroom. Problem is, he's been unable to find any camera stores that stock such supplies. He's checked the camera area in Namdaemun and a few places in Yongsan and the camera stores in Bupyeong market with no luck. One of the stores at Namdaemun recommended Chungmuro, but couldn't specify where.

Does anyone know of any film camera supply stores in Seoul or Incheon that they can provide more specific directions to than just the gu?

[Chamchiman]

Nobody's replied to your post yet, so I thought I would even though I can't give you specific assistance.

If the person near Namdaemun recommended Chungmuro, that's a good place to start. If you go out Chungmuro Subway Station Exit 5 and walk straight for a minute or two, you'll see the Kukdong Building on the right. It's the biggest building in the neighborhood - you can't miss it or the parking lot in front of it. If you find your way to the neighborhood directly behind the Kukdong Building you'll see dozens, literally dozens, of "pro" shops. It's the part of town I go to to have my B&W film developed. You might not immediately find the shop you're looking for, but somebody might be able to point you in the right direction. (If you don't already know, it might help if someone you know can help you out with the Korean words for these things you need. Or go to Naver's English Dictionary at endic.naver.com and type in, for example, develop - you'll see the Korean for 'developing solution' and some other words which might be helpful.) Also, you can always find people who look like they know something about photography in that neighborhood - you know, young kids walking around with cameras dangling off their necks. I've found that a lot of these kids are university students who are still into film photography, and more often than not they can speak some English.

Another (more direct) option, would just be to go to a university where they have a photography program. The school I used to live next to (Gyewon University of Art and Design) had kids in there all hours of the night developing film in the bowels of the photography department. Any student with a film camera who's walking out of a university will probably be able to both help you and speak some English. Hell, you might even be able to talk your way into using their facilities!

[jessiaka]

That is very helpful, thanks for the info!!