DOKNIP SHINMUN

Located in the Guryongpo Japanese House District of Nam-gu, Pohang, the ‘Independence Newspaper Photo Studio’ is an unmanned self-service photo studio themed around Korean independence. It is a space where you can capture special memories imbued with historical sentiment.

Situated within the Guryongpo Japanese House District, this photo studio stands out immediately, its exterior decorated with motifs inspired by the Independence Newspaper. Inside, various props and costumes are available for visitors to wear and photograph themselves with, including the Korean national flag, vintage telephones, glasses worn by independence activists, and headbands. Shooting follows the popular “Life's Four Shots” format. After the shoot, results can be printed not only as regular photos but also in the style of an independence newspaper, making for a unique keepsake.

Using the studio is simple. It operates unmanned, so you just pay at the machine on-site and proceed with the shoot. The price is approximately 5,000 won. A free public parking lot is available nearby, ensuring good accessibility. After strolling down the street lined with Japanese-style wooden buildings and soaking in the historical atmosphere, capturing photos with an independence movement theme at the studio adds deeper meaning to your trip.

The Independence News, founded on April 7, 1896, was Korea's first private newspaper, a modern medium published in both Korean and English.

Published as the official organ of the Independence Association with Seo Jae-pil at its core, it aimed to enlighten the public and spread the ideas of autonomy and democracy. The newspaper consisted of four pages at the time: three pages in pure Korean and one page in English. This holds significance as both Korea's first pure Korean-language newspaper and its first English-language newspaper.

Enlightenment figures like Yu Gil-jun, Yun Chi-ho, Yi Sang-jae, Yi Seung-man, and Ju Si-gyeong contributed as writers, inspiring modern thinking and independence consciousness among the people.

The Independence Newspaper also significantly contributed to the introduction and popularization of spacing, playing a crucial role in the development of the Korean literary style. Its policy allowing anyone, regardless of social status, to submit columns was revolutionary for its time. However, it ceased publication on December 4, 1899, following Seo Jae-pil's exile and the dissolution of the Independence Association. Its founding date was later designated as **Newspaper Day (April 7)**, holding symbolic significance in Korean press history.